Will you take a stand? Books for the journey Modern hymn writers Church crawl during frosh week PAGE 8 PAGE 12 PAGE 16 PAGE 20

PM# 40009999 R9375 A Reformed Biweekly | 68th Year of Publication | September 23, 2013 | NO. 2969 | $2.50

News. Clues. Kingdom views.

Christian school supporters hit with unexpected repayments Many parent supporters of pri- Others waited for clearer direc- on the schools themselves, but vate Christian schools in Ontario tion from their local school board on the donation receipts of par- are facing a unique financial chal- or from CEAF and the Ontario ents who send their children to lenge. In addition to coming up Alliance of Christian Schools these schools. Nonetheless, this with funds to pay their children’s (OACS), knowing that these two is clearly a significant challenge tuition costs, they will also need institutions were attempting to for affected school communities to pay back the Canadian Revenue dialogue with the CRA in the as well. Agency (CRA) for some of their hope that reassessments would Over 40 Ontario Christian charitable donation tax deductions be dropped or recalculated. In the schools have participated in from 2010 to 2012. end these efforts were unsuccess- CEAF’s programs, and many of Since 1984, many Ontario ful and reassessments were issued. their families face significant fi- Christian schools have par- nancial challenges. Most school ticipated in the School Support Impact on schools boards have plans in place such as Program (SSP) operated by the When the news first broke in bursary programs, adjusted tuition Christian Economic Assistance January, CEAF immediately de- rates, and adjusted capital/operat- Foundation (CEAF), a registered clared a moratorium on the pro- ing budget lines, but this support charity formerly located just out- gram and began to work with the varies from school to school. In side of Hamilton, Ont. Accord- OACS to explore options to sup- some cases these plans have been ing to CEAF’s website, the SSP Parents have been assessed repayments as large as $15,000, which for some port affected families. The OACS developed quite recently. It is clear was developed to “provide arms- will make it financially difficult to keep their children in Christian schools. informed member schools, let- that communities are rallying to- length, third party grants to Chris- ting them know about the CRA’s gether, but it is also important for tian schools to support specific reassessment notices informing When the reassessment deci- contentions as well as their own the larger Christian school support programs at the school, other than them of tax monies owed. sion was passed down, parents efforts to dialogue with the CRA, community to be reminded that capital costs” and was based on were caught off guard and were urging them to consider other some Ontario schools already face established practices used in other Impact on families unsure how to respond. Some options besides reassessments. significant financial challenges and Christian charity organizations. More than 4,000 families are began to develop plans to pay It is important to note that the have for years. While this event CEAF, which was founded affected by the repayments, and the their reassessments immediately. CRA’s concerns are not focused Continued on page 2 in 1972 and closed its doors this impact will be significant. While year following the CRA decision, some families with only small do- claims to have been audited by nations to CEAF have not been the CRA in 1992, 1996 and 2006 reassessed by the CRA, many owe CEAF needs to take responsibility and that their programs had been thousands of dollars and they are left unchallenged. This changed, expected to pay this immediately. John Tamming however, in January 2013 when Some families owe in excess of One of the pastors of my youth the CRA let CEAF know that they $15,000. The timing could not be balanced the targets of his ser- had significant concerns about the worse, of course, because many of mons well. He would, of course, SSP and suggested that the receipts these same parents also face tuition stare at the frisky young people issued to Christian school parents costs for the new school year. Even in the balcony and preach against for funds distributed by CEAF though most communities are ral- any conduct beyond first base. But had been improperly designated lying around these families, there at tax time his eyes would drop to as “gifts.” In July 2013, CEAF was is a very real possibility that some the front pews and he would also informed by the CRA that their children will not be able to remain have a stern word for those about charitable status had been revoked in their regular schools. There is to meet with their accountants. and the organization ceased opera- also the added complication that Dangling my feet in the pews of tions shortly thereafter. In late July the CRA has made a number of Strathroy Westmount CRC I had and early August 2013, Christian errors in its reassessments, creat- no idea about improper write-offs CEAF and OACS have decided not to pursue political action in response school supporters began receiving ing further tensions and confusion. Continued on page 2 to the CRA's reassessment of thousands of Christian school supporters. PAGE 2 christian courier

News

Christian school supporters hit with unexpected repayments is “only” a one-year problem, it has the most of us, and it seemed clear that CEAF While some of these holdout communi- but against the powers of darkness and the potential to be a real threat to these schools. had done its homework and was basing its ties may be feeling validated for their deci- spiritual forces of evil. Christian schools, programs on acceptable practices. Like many sion not to participate in CEAF programs, it given their nature and mission, will always Questions and challenges affected parents, the OACS also trusted that is important to stress that programs like the face spiritual opposition and challenges. For Ontario Christian school communi- CEAF was above-board in its work. SSP were developed on the basis of existing We should not expect otherwise. Christian ties affected by the repayments, many ques- The OACS has been actively involved programs and charitable donation strategies. schools must be equipping the next genera- tions remain unanswered. Some schools are in efforts to support affected schools and It is certainly very clear that affected parents tion for transformational, on-the-ground, understandably frustrated with CEAF and parents, even though they could have just participated in good faith, trusting that their hands-and-feet-and-voice Kingdom build- with the CRA, wondering how this could as easily left the “problem” in the hands of local boards had done due diligence and ing, and the devil and his forces will stand have happened. Why did the CRA not sim- CEAF and the affected families. The OACS that CEAF itself had exercised appropriate in direct opposition to this work. ply direct CEAF to stop the program? Why, is committed to supporting schools and their discernment in developing and promoting Because of this, it is important that the instead, did they choose to reassess? Why donors until the issue is resolved. They will these programs. conversation doesn’t degenerate into finger- did they choose to reassess for three years? not abandon affected member schools, de- This is an important point given the pointing and blame-casting amongst Chris- Why did they not offer recalculations, par- spite these challenging circumstances. But “spin” that has taken place regarding the tians and Christian institutions (although ticularly when it is possible that some of the the biggest questions remain unanswered repayments. For instance, Christian school lessons must certainly be learned through charitable donation claims could have been at this point in time. What impact will this supporters have been labeled by some as this process). The challenges we face are appropriately recalculated (as the OACS have on families and schools? What support tax-dodgers – see the online comment significant, and should be addressed in com- argued unsuccessfully)? is available? Will it be sufficient? What thread in the Feb. 19, 2013 National Post munity. It is my prayer that the families and Others are frustrated with the OACS, impact might this have on other charitable article on this topic for a good example of schools touched by this difficult issue will wondering why this organization endorsed organizations that rely on similar programs? this. It is also important to note that col- experience the support of their local com- the use of CEAF for member schools. To a lective legal action is also being pursued, munities, as well as the prayers and support large extent this is an unfair response, given Other considerations and parents and schools who participated of the broader Christian community. the fact that the OACS – like other affected Some Ontario Christian school com- in CEAF are encouraged to consider their educational institutions – trusted that CEAF munities deliberately decided in the past to involvement in this process. Sean Schat is a former had developed programs with due diligence not participate in CEAF programs. These Christian high school and proper process. The longevity of the school boards did not feel the SSP passed Kingdom reflections teacher currently enrolled program and the fact that it had previously the “sniff test” – that there was not sufficient The battle here is not between Christian in graduate studies in passed CRA scrutiny served as sufficient “arm’s length” distance between the donors education and Revenue Canada, even if Education at Brock Uni- evidence of the program’s validity. Indeed, and recipients of the funds CEAF dispersed. it may appear that way to some. As Paul versity in St. Catharines, tax law, particularly as it pertains to chari- This is precisely the issue that the CRA reminds us in his letter to the Ephesians, Ont. Sean can be reached ties and charitable donations, is murky for focused on in their recent decisions. our struggle is not against flesh and blood, at [email protected].

CEAF needs to take responsibility continued or false deductions, but there was comfort Puzzling accounting gig is up. The CRA has ruled the SSP to to my office, they refused on the grounds in seeing our pastor hammer the rich dairy Some might call the arrangement de- be offside, and more than 4,000 supporters of pending litigation (a pointless objection farmer during tax time at least as hard as scribed above intelligent tax planning. Oth- in our Christian school community face since any such letter would, first, be a public he preached against the young people for ers might call it an artifice that is too cute reassessments. and compellable document and, second, the balance of the year. Tax evasion was the by half. The simple rule is that you cannot would dissuade plaintiffs from signing on great homiletical equalizer. derive a personal benefit from a charitable No paper trail for CEAF audits? to the class action lawsuit). Next I tried to With that as background, it does not donation. Admittedly, the line can be blurry. CEAF has repeatedly assured us that the get the letter from OACS, who say they sit well with me to see our government For instance, I donate to my church and in tax authorities have performed a backflip, don’t even have a copy. What OACS did accuse Reformed Christian institutions return get both a receipt and some decent that they have changed their mind on the not tell me is why they, of all entities, are of systemic tax avoidance schemes. First sermons, okay coffee and, I hope, a well- SSP. In a CEAF newsletter on April 26, apparently powerless to get a copy. And Redeemer University College came un- attended funeral at the end. But there seems 2013, the organization’s president, Adrian what about those 1996 and 2006 audits? der scrutiny, and now it is the Christian to be something qualitatively different be- Guldemond, expressly stated that the first CEAF now advises that they were in fact Education Assistance Fund (CEAF) and tween these soft benefits and having my government “audit of these programs took “telephone audits” (whatever that is), and I the Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools grandkid’s tuition sliced in half. place in 1992, and a letter was received have not been provided with any correspon- (OACS). This brings up the current situation with indicating that the SSP complied with the dence or memoranda which might confirm Redeemer was tagged a couple of years CEAF, which for years operated the School provisions of the Income Tax Act.” The exactly what these “audits” approved. ago by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Support Program (SSP) for the benefit of newsletter also assured readers that “an- As for the CRA, it simply states that for a nifty little arrangement. Here’s how Christian schools. Through an elaborate other audit occurred in 1996, with positive it is following the 1997 court decision of it worked: Sonya’s Oma would make a calculation, OACS helped participating results” and that “another audit in 2006 Woolner v. The Queen, which involved charitable donation to the college and get a schools to arrive at a “per student cost” resulted in no concerns.” families who donated monies to a church, tax receipt for the amount of the donation, for which no receipt would be issued. But If in fact the CRA has completely re- received a charitable receipt, and went on then by some miraculous coincidence So- on top of these expenses, people could versed its position, one would expect CEAF to receive a free education for their kids nya’s tuition would be reduced by a nearly donate additional money to CEAF which to get proof of these audits out to the wider from the church on the side. The tax court’s equal amount (it’s a little more complex, would then be directed to the school. For community. It would certainly help people ruling was basically “you can’t be serious.” but that’s the gist of it). these monies, a charitable donation receipt at the local level to assure members that SSP Redeemer was not alone in running this somehow could be issued. was a legitimate program and that neither the Anti-Christian bias? sort of program; a college in Western Can- For those of us who thought that the school board nor OACS are to blame. To this To those who accuse the CRA of an ada appears to have started the practice, entire school budget expenses were for end I have asked Guldemond for that 1992 anti-Christian bias, I ask two uncomfortable and fought the tax authorities to the steps of the cost of educating the kids (after all, we letter. I have also asked him for any evidence questions. First, is it not the case that each the Supreme Court for the right to maintain weren’t donating blood or running a food of those 1996 and 2006 audits (a letter, a year your school budget was set as follows: it. The court told them no. This decision bank in the basement), CEAF was always a memo to file, anything – even a CRA fridge add up the total expenses of educating all led to a rash of reassessments and, in the little puzzling. Each year our local treasurer magnet to say they were actually there). And the kids, deduct a number for anticipated case of Redeemer, to a class action lawsuit would stand up at the society meeting and I have asked for such proof repeatedly. donations/fundraising, and divide the bal- which attracted almost no members and take a stab at explaining it, and each year What have my requests for informa- ance by the number of families in order to was settled for next to nothing (reflecting we would nod and pretend to get it (I always tion revealed? Initially I was told that the arrive at a tuition rate? Second, if a family the proper reluctance of Christian school signed up my family of four kids and cut 1992 letter is with CEAF’s lawyer. When I chose to cut only one lesser cheque to the supporters to sue our schools). two separate cheques each year). But the requested that their lawyer might fax it over Continued on page 3 My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture sepProvincetember 23, 2013 page 3 Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til Column Toddlers to Teens From the Lab The mortal itch Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom New hope for a malaria vaccine

The poor you will always Remarkable success preventive vaccine for malaria. We need to SU MO TU have with you . . WE. TH What Dr. Seder and his associates did know how long the protection lasts and what FR SA Principalities Everyday Christian Matt. 26:11 was to take many, many infected mos- the optimal inoculation procedure is for this & Powers quitoes, dissect out their salivary glands, vaccine. The route of administration, into the David Koyzis Cathy Smith Malaria is a disease that collect the Plasmodium, and then irradiate blood, is very impractical for a mass inocu- attacks the poor: those it to weaken it. They then injected into the lation. The vaccine must be kept in an ultra- who cannot afford the bed- blood (after several preliminary tests for freezer before injection and the production nets and insecticide sprays that prevent the safety) a known quantity of this weakened of this vaccine is complicated by the need to Technically Speaking mosquitoGetting bites Unstuc or the antimalarialk drugs that Plasmodium (actually over a series of sev- obtain it from mosquito salivary glands. This reduce the morbidity and mortality of this eral injections). The individuals and some is, however, the first vaccine that has proven Derek Schuurman illness.Arlene In V an2010, Hove over 200 million cases of control participants were then given a stan- this effective against malaria, and it suggests malaria were reported, with about one in every Almost half of the world’s population is at dard malaria-inducing procedure (five bites a direction for future research to make this risk of malaria. 200 cases resulting in death. Thus it is not from normal infected mosquitoes), and the vaccine more “user-friendly.” surprising that the World Health Organization individuals were monitored to see if they Given the suffering and mortality caused Intangible Things hasFlowers targeted asand a priority Thistles the development of developed malaria, at which point they were by malaria, especially among the poor, we can an effective vaccine against this disease. treated to be cured of the disease. only pray that this and other research efforts Heidi Vander Slikke Curt Gesch With a successful vaccine we could All the individuals who as controls did to fight this disease will prove successful. reduce the human suffering caused by this not receive the vaccine developed malaria, Rudy Eikelboom ([email protected]), who disease and begin to hope that ultimately but none of the five individuals who received Words from has never liked mosquitoes, is a member of the Country Living we might eradicate it entirely. We have been five injections of the largest dose of the vac- Waterloo CRC and Chair of the Psychology successfulWild Horses defeating smallpox and are close cine developed malaria. Individuals who Department at Wilfrid Laurier University. to success in fighting polio. Unlike removing received fewer in- Meindert Vander Galien Warkentins Dr. Robert Seder poverty, diseases can be defeated. jections or smaller ADVANCE NOTIFICATION: A report in this past month’s Science has blood to the liver to mature and reproduce. doses showed a created quite some excitement in the fight Usually when a vaccine is developed, it graded response: ISRAEL & JORDAN TOUR Patchwork Words againstOur W malaria.orld T odayDr. Robert Seder and his is based on a single unique molecule found some individuals March 13 – 25, 2014 associates have developed a vaccine which on the surface of a disease-inducing cell. The were resistant to the Escorted by Rev. John Veenstra Melissa Kuipers inBert a small Hielema controlled trial has proven very molecule is presented to the body, and the malaria; many were Details available in September. effective in preventing malaria. immune system develops antibodies that will not. In malaria re- If you are interested contact us: At this point the technology needed to attack and destroy the cell attached to that search this suc- VERSTRAETE TRAVEL & CRUISES produce the vaccine is daunting. The route of molecule. Attempts to make a vaccine that cess is remarkable. 300 - 14845 Yonge St, Aurora ON L4G 6H8 Reg. #3367728 administration, directly into the blood stream, targets a single molecule on the surface of the Additionally, the Tel 416 969-8100 or 1-800-565-9267 would be difficult to accomplish in mass vac- malaria parasite have proven unsuccessful. vaccine seemed to email [email protected] cination campaigns. But the current victory It has been known for a long time that if cause very few side St. Catharines Office: Tel 905-934-4414 or 1-800-405-6088 in this limited context holds out promise for you weaken the Plasmodium by irradiating in- effects in all the Visit us at www.verstraetetravel.com. ultimate success in preventing this disease. fected mosquitoes and then let over a thousand individuals tested. Feel free to contact Pastor John Veenstra at Malaria is a complicated disease. It is of them bite humans, providing a large dose While this dis- [email protected] if you have any questions about the tour. caused by the one-cell protozoan, Plasmo- of the weakened Plasmodium, these persons covery is encour- Earl Clint Tour Sept.26 – 28: Philadelphia & Lancaster only $595 Contact St. Catharines office. dium, which enters the blood stream when develop a great immune response CLARENCEand do WEIMA aging, CFP many more a female mosquito with the parasite in its not develop malaria even if infected later. A trials are needed Office space available at 36 Secord Dr., St Catharines. Senior Financial Consultant Contact Ria at the St Catharines office. salivary gland administers its saliva to the thousand mosquito bites is not a good [email protected] before Dr. Seder’s

victim as it bites to collect blood. In hu- to produce a strong immune response,CLARENCE(519) but 673-4544 itWEIMA ext. 209 methodCFP can Nobody ever plans Time… CLARENCE WEIMA CFP mans, the Plasmodium travels through the suggests a strategy for developing a vaccine.CLARENCE WEIMA becomeCFP a to think about a charitable legacy Senior Financial Consultant to make the taxman Time… [email protected] Senior Financial Consultant Senior Financial Consultant to think about a charitable legacy [email protected] a beneficiary You’ve always been known for your generosity to [email protected] your family, friends and especially to your favourite (519) 455-3724 CEAF needs to take responsibility continuedcharities.You’ve always The beenInvestors known Group for yourCharitable generosity Giving to (519) 673-4544 ext. 209 Nobodyof their will.ever plans (519) 455-3724 Programyour family, allows friends you and to shape especially and defineto your your favourite legacy. Whatevercharities. Theyour Investors interest, whateverGroup Charitable your passion, Giving to make the taxman school and forgot or refused to make the subsequentProgram CEAFallows you todonation, shape and define would your legacy. the school not pursue that ™you Trademarks can make owned by a IGM difference. Financial Inc. andCall licensed us to its find subsidiary out corporations.how Investors Group Financial Services Inc. yourWhateverMP1124 generosity (03/2012) your interest, can live whateveron. your passion, a beneficiary donation money as if it were an absolute entitlement?you can make a difference. Call us to find out how Details of the Investors Group Charitable Giving Program, including eligible funds, yourcurrent feesgenerosity and expenses, can and other live requirements, on. are available upon request in the Time…of their will. At first, both OACS and CEAF announced Programthat Guide. they Donations under werethe Program aregoing irrevocable and to vest with thefight the CRA and defend the StrategicDetails of Charitablethe Investors Giving Group Foundation Charitable – aGiving registered Program, charitable including foundation eligible whichfunds, is Planning ahead can help you avoid leaving responsiblecurrent fees forand making expenses, all investments and other requirements, and operates are independently available upon from request Investors in the Group. toTime… think about a charitable legacy SSP. That bravado lasted all of a few months. The™TrademarkProgram OACS Guide. owned Donations by IGM Financial underwill the Inc. Program anddirect licensed are irrevocable to its subsidiarypeople and vest corporations. with the to a lawyer if they wish, but Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation – a registered charitable foundation which is Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ™MP1345responsible Trademarks (10/2007) for owned making by all IGM investments Financial and Inc. operates and licensed independently to its subsidiary from Investors corporations. Group. Investors Group Financial Services Inc. your loved ones with a tax burden,to ensuringthink about a charitable legacy they have no funds for the retainer and you are ™Trademarkbasically owned by IGM onFinancial your Inc. and licensed own. to its subsidiary Most corporations. ominously, OACS decided MP1124 (03/2012) Investors Group Financial Services Inc. against political action at least in part out of fear MP1345that (10/2007) the CRA could uncover more dirty laundry, writing they receive the maximum amount from You’veyour estate. always been known for your in an Aug. 16, 2013 memo that “In fact, schools could face full audits and subsequent penalties if CRA Planning ahead can help you avoid leaving generosityYou’ve always to yourbeen family, known friends for your and wants to follow up on its suspicions.” Mull that over for a moment. yourThere loved are manyones withways a to tax minimize burden, yourensuring tax especiallygenerosity toto youryour favouritefamily, friends charities. and As CLARENCE WEIMA CFP But it is CEAF’s conduct that is most disappointing. First, CEAF refuses to produce proof that the theyliability. receive I can the help maximum you look amountat the whole from youespeciallypicture consider and to make yourthe legacy favourite the most you charities. wishof your to money.leave, As Senior Financial Consultant CRA baptized its program for many years. Then, in a farewell memo to the Christian school community your estate. [email protected] CLARENCE WEIMA CFP theyou desireconsider to continuethe legacy your you tradition wish to leave,of Call me to find how The Plan by Investors on Aug. 15, 2013, CEAF announced that it had Time…lost its charitable status and that as such “we are out of There are many ways to minimize your tax CLARENCE(519) 673-4544 WEIMA ext. 209 CFP charitablethe desireTM togiving continue becomes your antradition even more of Senior Financial Consultant Group can help you provide for the people CLARENCE WEIMA CFP business and we are in the process of shutting downtoTime… think the corporation.” about a charitable legacy liability. I can help you look at the whole CLARENCE WEIMA CFP [email protected] importantcharitable consideration.giving becomes an even more Senior Financial Consultant you care about... now and over time. Senior Financial Consultant This is simply a bizarre communication. OutYou’veto of think business?always been about known The for a yourloss charitable generosity of charitable legacy status does not af- picture and make the most of your money. [email protected] CLARENCE(519) 673-4544 WEIMA ext. 209 CFP important consideration. [email protected] Financial Consultant to your family, friends and especially to your The Investors Group Charitable Giving fect the ability of CEAF to continue as a legal entityYou’ve always (it certainlybeen known for has your generositysufficient existenceCLARENCE WEIMA to CFP be sued, as [email protected] favourite charities. As you consider the legacy you CLARENCE WEIMA CFP Call me to find how The Plan by Investors (519) 455-3724 to your family, friends and especially to your Senior Financial Consultant ProgramThe Investors allows Group you toCharitable shape and Giving define 519-455-37241-800-541-0977 ext. 209 wish to leave, the desire to continue your tradition TM a Hamilton firm has just done) and such a lossfavourite does charities.not affect As you considerits ability the legacy to you [email protected] affectedFinancial Consultant school sup- (519)1-519-871-7946 455-3724 (mobile) of charitable giving becomes an even more Senior Financial Consultant Group can help you provide for the people wish to leave, the desire to continue your tradition [email protected] yourProgram legacy. allows Whatever you to your shape interest, and define whatever 1-800-488-9817 porters. The CEAF memo was not signed and itsimportant board consideration. members are not listed. (519)[email protected] 455-3724remains a phantom. of charitable giving becomes an even more youryou carelegacy.passion, about... Whatever you nowcan your makeand interest,over a difference. time. whatever importantThe Investors consideration. Group Charitable Giving Program (519) 673-4544 ext. 209 After over 30 years of running a program which it insists met government approval(519) 455-3724 allows you to shape and define your legacy. your passion, you can make a difference. all along, it just rolls over? WhateverThe Investors your Group interest, Charitable whatever Giving your Programpassion, Call us to find out how your generosity can allowsyou can you make to shape a difference. and define your legacy. ™Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Whatever your interest, whatever your passion, Call us to find out how your generosity can liveMP1124 (03/2012)on. Investors Group Financial Services Inc. This is an utter abandonment of the thousands™TrademarksyouCall canusof to make owned affectedfind byaout IGMdifference. how Financial your families Inc. generosityand licensed to itscanwho subsidiary live on.assumedInvestors Group Financial Services Inc. corporations. live on. DetailsMP1124 of (03/2012)the Investors Group Charitable Giving Program, including eligible CEAF knew what it was doing and who reliedCallfunds, on currentus theto feesfind andcompetency out expenses, how and your other generosity requirements, of are canits available live board on. and upon request in the Program Guide. Donations under the Program are Details of the Investors Group Charitable Giving Program, including eligible funds, current fees and expenses, irrevocableDetails of the and Investors vest with Group the Strategic Charitable Charitable Giving Program, Giving Foundation including eligible– a managers. As one school supporter in my town putfunds, current it, fees“CEAF and expenses, and says, other requirements, ‘Hey are available we’re out of and other requirements, are available upon request in the Program Guide. Donations under the Program registered charitable foundation which is responsible for making all are irrevocable and vest with the Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation – a registered charitable foundation investmentsupon request and in the operates Program independently Guide. Donations from Investors under the Group. Program are Details of the Investors Group Charitable Giving Program, including eligible funds, current fees and expenses, irrevocable and vest with the Strategic Charitable Giving Foundation – a which is responsible for making all investments and operates independently from Investors Group. business, too bad for you, good luck and God bless.’”™Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary and other requirements, are available upon request in the Program Guide. Donations under the Program Investors Group Financial Services Inc. corporations.registered charitable foundation which is responsible for making all Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ™Trademarksare irrevocable owned and vestby IGM with Financial the Strategic Inc. and Charitable licensed Giving to its Foundationsubsidiary corporations.– a registered charitable foundation Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ™Trademarksinvestments and owned operates by IGM independently Financial Inc. from and Investors licensed Group. to its subsidiary Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ™TrademarkMP1345corporations. (10/2007) owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary ™TrademarksMP1345which is (10/2007) responsible owned byfor IGMmaking Financial all investments Inc. and licensed and operates to its subsidiary independently corporations. from Investors Group. John A.Tamming is a barrister and solicitor in Owen Sound, Ont.Investors Group Financial Services Inc. ™Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Investors Group Financial Services Inc. corporations.MP1124 (03/2012) MP1124 (03/2012) MP1345 (10/2007) MP1345 (10/2007) PAGE 4 christian courier

Editorials

Should sins be check-listed?

Karin Cook Boonstra Recently, as a member of church council, I was asked to consider a section of our church employee handbook. The section in question was called a “Lifestyle Policy” and included a number of key Bible passages guiding Christian living, as well as a list of approximately 12 or so behaviours that were considered counter to our call to live as Christ’s followers. The document was similar, I’m sure, to ones used by many Chris- tian institutions. Although I know policies guiding employer practices and procedures are important, this particular document raised some questions in my mind: what do our policies say to the world and to each other about how we want to be “church”? And does a Lifestyle Policy like this one really accomplish what we hope it will? Egypt is God’s people! Including a list of unacceptable behaviours in an employee manual, in my mind, creates a sort of hierarchy of sin and, therefore, of people. A list of that kind could Bert Witvoet cling to such Old Testament prophecies as not possibly include everything that people might do that is contrary to Christ’s will Egypt figures large in the history of Old Isaiah 19:19: “In that day, there will be an for our lives. Consequently, some sins are included and some are not; there is an Testament Israel. It started out as the place altar to the Lord in the heart of Egypt, and a inevitable sorting that takes place. But the inclusion of some and not of others sug- where Jacob’s family found refuge from monument to the Lord at its border.” gests that we think some behaviours are worse than others. If the list of unacceptable seven years of drought through God’s or- Nor is God finished with the rest of the behaviours includes infidelity in marriage but not hoarding our wealth, what does the chestrating efforts as he led Joseph into Middle East. Consider the following proph- list say about what we value? Does non-inclusion equate to a kind of tacit approval captivity and elevated him to Pharaoh’s right ecy in Isaiah 19:23-25: of some sins, in spite of our intentions? Is there a risk that a Lifestyle Policy can cre- hand. From there Jacob’s family grew into “In that day there will be a highway from ate a sort of Pharisaic checklist to put our own dark hearts at ease? a nation, but lost its favourite status, ending Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to It is sometimes argued that Christian institutions need Lifestyle Policies for clar- up in slavery. The oppression lasted some Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The ity. Using a phrase like “biblical principles” to guide employee behaviour isn’t clear 400 years, at which time God called upon Egyptians and Assyrians will worship to- enough, we fear, so we need to have a list of practical applications to make sure we Moses to lead his people from Egypt into gether. In that day Israel will be the third, are all on the same page. In my mind a list of behaviours actually creates more ques- the Promised Land. “The Exodus” became along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on tions than it answers. What constitutes “substance abuse” in the mind of one might the universal symbol of salvation for all the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, be different from what it means in the mind of another. So who decides? Does doing those who allow themselves to be led by saying,‘Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria something on the list result in automatic dismissal? Or does that, too, depend on Jesus Christ from the slavery of sin into the my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.’” the circumstances? And are lifestyle policies retroactive? If it is discovered that an Promised Land of eternal life. Can you believe that God is going to bring employee did something on the list in his youth, is his employment in jeopardy? A But God was not finished with Egypt.T he the final solution to these three troubled list doesn’t answer questions; it just creates new ones. early church flourished in Egypt.T he Desert countries? It is possible that the inclusion of a list of unacceptable behaviours arises out of our Fathers became influential in the develop- I am reminded of what the Rev. Andrew desire to protect the church we love. We want to make sure the church is not caught in ment of Christianity, founding the monastic Kuyvenhoven wrote in his devotional book- an awkward employment situation, and so we try to make sure that our relationships movement and producing libraries of wis- let Daylight for September 5. It is entitled with each other are not going to be legally complicated. But difficult employment situ- dom literature. The Catechetical School of “God’s Humour”: ations are not made easier or better with the inclusion of a list. In fact, in some legal Alexandria, the oldest in the world, became “Think of this: Pharaoh’s soldiers were situations, it can actually make things worse. If the list goes against some of the basic the most important institution of religious tearing the baby boys from their mother’s rights and freedoms found in the Charter of Rights, we might actually lose more than learning. Church Father Athanasius gave breasts. The country was wailing, the young we gain in the eyes of our neighbours. Councils can’t anticipate every employment us one of the three ecumenical creeds – the boys were drowning, and the devil was hav- possibility as they create their employee handbooks. So isn’t it better to just commit to Athanasian Creed. ing his way. But meanwhile, at headquarters, following biblical principles the best way we collectively know how? Early on, Christianity became the major- Pharaoh’s daughter was playing with a little In the end, my church council decided to continue the dialogue rather than to adopt ity religion in Egypt. The Coptic Church boy. Pharaoh himself became the adoptive the policy. Although we might not be protected from complicated employment situa- held that dominant position for 600 years. grandfather of Israel’s liberator! The devil tions, maybe we never really are. Being church together is inherently risky, and I am And then Mohammed came on the scene, may make a lot of noise. But ‘he who sits in thankful that the community of grace of which I am a part is struggling with how best and Islam managed to become the major- the heavens laughs.’” to see its employees as ity religion through military conquest in Meanwhile Canadian theology instructor people rather than as a list much of the Middle East, including Egypt. in Egypt John Span writes: Christian Courier of potential bad choices. Today the Coptic Church represents only “Last time we asked for prayer, we asked Founded in 1945 If our policy documents 10 percent of the population of Egypt, even that those who would need to be confused An independent biweekly that seeks to engage creatively in are phrased in fearful, though it constitutes the most significant would be, and those who needed clarity would critical Christian journalism, connecting Christians with a network punitive language, do they number of Christians left in the Middle have it. Our Egyptian friends tell us that God of culturally savvy partners in faith for the purpose of inspiring all to participate in God’s renewing work within his fallen creation. communicate our ultimate East and Northern Africa. This church has is answering this prayer directly. . . . More desire for relationship and experienced various forms of persecution Muslims than ever are asking about ‘the hope EDITORIAL TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick [email protected] restoration? As people and opposition during its almost 2,000 year that is within’ as they had been told over an Features Editor: Cathy Smith [email protected] are looking for employ- history of its existence. over again that ‘Islam is the answer,’ but they Church News Editor: Marian Van Til [email protected] ment opportunities, and, How long will this reduced but significant are now disillusioned. . . . It is amazing how Reviews Editor: Brian Bork [email protected] even more importantly, presence of Christianity in Egypt last? heaven-centered our Christian brothers and Contributing Editor: Bert Witvoet [email protected] spiritual community, what Under a mere two years of reign by Presi- sisters are here. As the faith of the Christians Contributing Editor: Michael Buma [email protected] Admin/ads/web: Ineke Medcalf-Strayer [email protected] do our policy documents dent Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood, the is being shaken by these ‘fiery trials’ and likely Circulation: Rose der Nederlanden [email protected] communicate about who Coptic Christians have had many churches will continue to be shaken due to the high The publication of comments, opinions or advertising does not imply we are and what we burnt, members killed and businesses de- number of extremists in the region, the solid agreement or endorsement by Christian Courier or the publisher. value? stroyed. Nor has the threat gone away since witness of the Christians will inevitably cause a Please contact circulation if you cannot afford the subscription price the overthrow of Morsi's government. From shaking down to the foundations of the majority of $58.00 but want to receive Christian Courier. Karin Cook Boonstra has The paper is published the second and fourth Mondays of the month. taught high school English our limited human perspective, it may seem religion. Pray that this will happen, and that the Christian Courier Tel: 905-682-8311 for over 20 years. She has as if the elimination of Christianity in Egypt believers in Christ will remain steadfast.” 5 Joanna Dr 1-800-969-4838 and Syria and other Arab countries is at hand. St Catharines ON L2N 1V1 Web site: christiancourier.ca served as both an elder and Bert Witvoet is not a Utopian Christian. Only a deacon in her church and But to think that way is to forget that God God’s intervention brings Shalom to this We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada loves being a part of music is still in control of this world. And he may through the Canada Periodical Fund of world, also in St. Catharines, a place the Department of Canadian Heritage. ministry as a worship not be finished with Egypt either. of relatively high unemployment, leader. The Coptic Church itself continues to where he and his wife, Alice, reside. september 23, 2013 page 5

Letters

Caught in the middle: Christian investors

Reading Harold Alkema’s “To buy or to boycott: Tough moral choices for Christian consumers and investors” (June 24) sent me back a few decades to the early 1970s. My wife and I were Christian Reformed mis- sionaries in Nigeria, while the country was in its chaotic civil war known as the Biafran War. An important actor in that war was the Shell Oil Company, whom the media kept accusing of playing the two sides off against each other for its own benefit. Philippine farmers in the rice field. A few years prior to that, we had paid off our student loans and found ourselves with some extra money that we decided to invest erishment so that the young people left to in a mutual fund. This was all new to us, but find their fortunes in cities. However, they we wanted a little adventure. Then, when had no skills for their new environment so the media began to accuse Shell, we were that a large percentage got into all kinds of shocked to find ourselves in a compromised mischief. CRC agents noticed their plight situation. Here we were in the country as and started programs to teach them skills to missionaries, but we also had a hidden pres- help them make their way. So far, so good. ence in Shell via that mutual fund. There was no way we could find out the truth or other- Bizarre cycle wise of the accusations – or so we thought. However, I wondered why these mis- Besides, our share was so infinitesimally sionaries (not CRC Mission Board staff) small that we had no clout to challenge the did not go to the root of the problem by Pineapple fields in Tagaytay City, the Philippines. company in any way. If our Nigerian col- challenging the corporation. When I wrote leagues and friends should ever find out a letter to the agency about this, they re- their unhappiness for this publication. Since Dr. Jan/John Boer has published a number about that secret presence of ours, we would sponded that if they were to make such the entire project had been developed totally of mission-oriented books on colonialism, have been terribly ashamed of this severe moves they would soon be deported from in private time and with private funds, there economics, external debt, wholistic health contradiction in our lives. We promptly sold the country. In other words, they played was not much they could do about it. care and Christian-Muslim relations. He and our shares and lost most of our investment. it safe by presenting a superficial Gospel Though the book did not get the atten- Frances have served in Nigeria for 30 years and are now living in Vancouver, writing Well, we deserved it, jumping into the fray that avoided questions of injustice. What tion it deserved, it was distributed widely their memoirs. < SocialTheology.com > and as we did without any serious thought or, I alternatives did they have? Well, that could enough that even during the past few years I [email protected] >. must admit, serious prayer. We felt relieved be another article I am willing to write if still get requests for it from researchers. For to be freed from this contradiction. requested. this reason, I have turned it into an ebook The resulting scenario was that Chris- to make it more easily available. Though Terrible contradiction tians in North America who invested in that I intend to put it back on the market as an However, that was not the end of the road company, would derive an annual dividend ebook, for the next few months it is avail- for us. I could not forget this incident; it from that scene and tithe on that dividend to able free of charge to any CC reader who stayed with me. I mulled over it, sometimes their churches. These churches in turn then requests it. deep into sleepless nights. It slowly dawned sent, prayed for and paid for their emissaries I have some glimmering hopes that on me that millions of Western Christians to make this unjust situation palatable for the CRC establishment has become more are in the same boat, investing in all kinds of its victims without challenging the company sensitive with respect to these issues, but companies without having any idea whether either at home or in the Philippines. Do feel free to enquire and, if need be, to chal- their investments are a blessing or a curse you recognize the contradiction? It may lenge. Remember one thing: When you among the people where they were put to be strange, but it is not fiction. It is pitiful, criticize corporations, you are criticizing work. We only look at the bottom line. The especially because it is not an isolated case. your family, friends and neighbours who blacker that line, the happier we are. An attempt to explain the situation from the invest in them – and possibly yourself and Being a writer by nature, after much pulpit led to accusations of politicizing the your denomination. struggle within myself and, yes, much Gospel on my part. Space prevents me from serious prayer this time, I decided to write including that story. Christian Courier a book on the subject to help Christians Canada mail: U.S. mail: develop some clarity on what they were do- Enquire and challenge Publications Mail Agreement No. 40009999 Christian Courier (USPS 518-090) ing and raise consciousness of these issues. The beginning of Alkema’s article struck Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Second-class postage paid at I ended up with a book entitled Caught in me with particular force, for his opening Christian Courier Lewiston NY the Middle: Christians in Transnational paragraphs deal with the United Church of 5 joanna dr Postmaster: send address changes Corporations (1992). Canada. When I began my research, it took St. Catharines ON L2n 1v1 to: Christian Courier, Box 110 The Introduction paints the terrible me some time to locate Christian documents email: [email protected] Lewiston NY 14092 contradiction deeply embedded in the dealing with the issue. The first one I found Subscriptions: Canada and USA Overseas Christian community of an actual situation was published by the same United Church. one year (24 issues) $58.00 $100 in the CRC. An American fruit corpora- After looking so hard and long for Christian two years (48 issues) $110.00 tion, Monsanto I believe it was, had made documentation, I actually shed tears of joy Advertising deadlines: display and classified advertising:T uesday, 9 a.m. (13 days before a deal with the Markus government of the and gratitude for that fine UCC publication. publication date) See classified pages or web site www.christiancourier.ca for more details. Philippines to take over a large acreage of I never did find any CRC documents to help (ISSN 1192-3415) Published second and fourth Mondays of the month. fertile agricultural land to grow pineapples. guide me. Address all correspondence to: 5 Joanna Dr, St. Catharines ON L2N 1V1 The local farmers were forced to move to When the book finally was published, it Tel: 905-682-8311 or 1-800-969-4838 an area less fertile and with other types of was not welcomed by the CRC establish- e-mail: Advertising: [email protected] soil to which they were not accustomed. ment in Grand Rapids. In fact, the Nigeria Subscriptions: [email protected] PRINTED IN CANADA They began a downward spiral of impov- mission director was asked to convey to me PAGE 6 christian courier

News

Turkmenistan: Religious repression carries on unabated

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (WEA- RLC) – Turkmenistan has been one of the most repressive countries in the world for over two decades. But this Muslim-majority Central Asian nation possesses the world’s fourth largest reserves of natural gas resources, and the desire for that gas seems to mute international criticism. Like some other countries in the region, Turkmenistan is “reminiscent of the old Soviet Union” as it commits serious human rights violations, “particularly through enacting and enforcing laws against freedom of religion or belief,” wrote Katrina Lantos Swett and M. Zuhdi Jasser in the The Moscow Times recently. Swett and Jasser are vice-chairs of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Late last month police raided a Baptist church-run Like some of its neighbours, Turkmenistan commits serious Ninety percent of the population is Muslim, and an esti- human rights violations that recall its Soviet period. children’s camp in the southeastern town of Mary. Police mated nine percent Christian. and other officials, including a cameraman, questioned the 1995 amendment, requests for registration had to be signed within the Russian Orthodox Church, who have helped the children, took food samples, ordered the camp closed and by not less than 500 Turkmen citizens of at least 18 years authorities in their crackdown on Protestant groups. handed down two fines, it said. of age – a provision that targeted small religious groups, Despite all this Turkmenistan continues to expand rela- “Raids,” “detentions,” “fines,” “torture” and “threats” including Protestants in general, and evangelicals. After the tions with foreign governments and international organi- are some of the descriptors that often appear in stories of amendment, all registered groups except the Sunni Muslims zations without having to correct its human rights record, persecution that come out of Turkmenistan. While religious and Russian Orthodox lost their registration. Unregistered HRW noted in its report. The European Union’s Partnership repression cuts across Central Asia, Turkmenistan stands out religious activity warrants fines that are between five and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Turkmenistan was due to its unabated disrespect for civil and political freedoms 10 times the minimum monthly wage. Fines double in the frozen in 1998 over human rights concerns. But the EU which intensified during the rule of the iron-fisted President case of a repeat offender. continues to press forward with the agreement without Saparmurat Niyazov from January 1990 to December 2006. Publishing religious material is virtually impossible, as requiring any human rights reforms in exchange. While the Niyazov’s successor, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, authorities routinely confiscate religious literature. It is ex- European Parliament has held up approval of the agreement, revoked some of the policies of his predecessor and sought to tremely difficult for many believers to acquire even a copy some believe it will eventually be ratified because the EU establish relations with the West. But, he, too, retains unchal- of the Bible. The government has co-opted some leaders is seeking to diversify its energy supply. lenged power. His family members and associates continue to have unlimited control over all aspects of public life. In the sham presidential election in February 2012, Berdy- Norway: Hotel chain removes porn channels mukhamedov claimed he received 97 percent of the vote. And in the name of stability, basic rights of citizens are vio- over human trafficking link lated and justified, while democracy and individual freedoms are branded as Western ideals fit only for the developed world. OSLO, Norway (CNA/EWTN U.S. last summer asking News) – Citing connections to them to consider removing ‘From extremely bad to even worse’ human trafficking, a major Scan- pornography from their The country has gone from extremely bad to even worse dinavian hotel chain has announced that it is eliminating establishments because over the years. It remains one of the world’s most repressive pornography channels from its hotel rooms. it reduces women to “a countries, says the 2013 report by Human Rights Watch “The porn industry contributes to trafficking, so I see it sexual object” rather than (HRW). “The country is virtually closed to independent as a natural part of having a social responsibility to send out a “precious member of the scrutiny,” it notes. “Media and religious freedoms are sub- a clear signal that Nordic Hotels doesn’t support or condone human family.” Asking the ject to draconian restrictions, and human rights defenders this,” said Petter Stordalen, the owner of Nordic Hotels. executives to consider their and other activists face the constant threat of government A Norwegian billionaire and philanthropist, Stordalen own sisters, daughters and reprisal. The authorities continue to use imprisonment as announced that he is removing pay-per-view pornography mothers, George and Yusuf a tool for political retaliation and to restrict peoples’ right channels from his chain’s 171 Scandinavian hotels and will charged that pornography is Stordalen’s hotels were the first in the world to ban smoking; to travel freely.” replace them with contemporary art. “degrading, dehumanizing now he’s fighting porn. In its 2013 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters With- He said he decided to stop selling the material after he and corrupting.” It teaches out Borders ranked Turkmenistan as having the third worst started to work with UNICEF’s campaign to help the child young people to “settle for the cheap satisfactions of lust” press freedom conditions in the world, behind only North victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, who instead of achieving a love that is “liberating and fulfilling.” Korea and Eritrea. The state controls all media, and foreign number over 1.2 million annually, the British newspaper Pornography policies in U.S. hotel chains vary. Omni media seldom have access to the country. The internet is The Guardian reports. Hotels and Resorts stopped selling pornography in 1998. heavily controlled, and the country’s only internet service Stordalen said the move may seem “shocking and un- Marriot has said it is “phasing out” pornography sales, while provider is state-operated. usual,” but he compared it to the initially unpopular ban the Hilton chain has defended its continued sales. However, There is essentially one party, the Democratic Party of on smoking. “We were the first hotel chain in the world to in both Canada and the U.S., porn is readily available online. Turkmenistan. Political gatherings are illegal if held with- ban smoking and people thought we were crazy. Now it’s It is not clear whether hotels taking a new anti-porn stance, out government approval and dissent is severely punished. totally normal for public spaces to be smoke-free,” he said. which removes porn from TV channels available in the The justice system is not independent either, and trials are hotels, would also block the availability of the numerous closed in political cases. ‘Social plague’ online porn sites from the hotels’ wifi networks. While the Constitution provides for freedom of religion, The move was applauded by Princeton University law George and Yusuf are now calling on American hotels to in practice, no religious group apart from Sunni Muslims professor Robert P. George and prominent American Is- follow Stordalen’s lead. “If Nordic Hotels can demonstrate and Russian Orthodox Church, enjoy religious freedom, lamic scholar Hamza Yusuf. “The pornography industry is this kind of moral and social responsibility, then there is no according to Organization for Security and Co-operation corrupt through and through – inherently so,” George and reason that Hilton Hotels and the other large chains cannot,” in Europe (OSCE). More than 90 percent of the people Yusuf said in a Sept. 4 essay for Public Discourse. they said. “Let them stop trying to deceive the public – and are Muslim, mostly Sunni, while Christians make up nine “It should come as no surprise that it is connected to perhaps even themselves – with rhetoric about respecting percent of the population. something as exploitative, degrading and dehumanizing as or even protecting their customers’ liberty. Pornography is According to the 1991 Law of Turkmenistan on Freedom human trafficking. Bravo to Petter Stordalen for refusing a social plague with horrific real-life consequences for real of Conscience and Religious Organizations, all religious to continue profiting from peddling the industry’s wares.” live people – addicts, spouses, children, communities, girls groups must register with the Ministry of Justice. After a The scholars wrote a letter to hotel executives in the and women trafficked into sexual servitude.” september 23, 2013 page 7

News Middle East: Christian leaders Spain: Coca Cola CEO calls Christian critics ‘fanatics,’ ‘intolerant’ reject foreign intervention, but fear Islamist annihilation of Christians MADRID, Spain (CNA/EWTN News) – After slamming president of HazteOir.org, Ignacio Arsuaga. critics of its decision to sponsor a reality TV show featuring “If having to think like you is the price I have to pay for morally objectionable content, Coca Cola Spain and its CEO you to keep drinking Coca-Cola, I prefer you don’t drink are facing boycotts of the company’s products throughout it,” he said. the Spanish-speaking world. The Madrid-based religious liberty organization Haz- ‘Inciting wild dogs’ teOir.org recently launched a public opinion campaign to De Quinto also threatened to have lawyers investigate call on major businesses to withdraw their ads from the real- what kind of penalties could be levied against the organi- ity show “Summer Camp,” a Spanish version of “Survivor.” zation, which he accused of “inciting a pack of wild dogs During the program, one of the female contestants was against specific targets,” referring to its support for mar- made to strip to her underwear and jump into a pool of riage and opposition to abortion. melted chocolate, while the host invited her fellow con- In other tweets, De Quinto labeled Christians who object testants to lick the chocolate off her. to Coca Cola’s sponsorship of the program as “fanatics” and HazteOir.org convinced McDonalds, Burger King, “intolerant,” and accused them of launching a “guerrilla- Orange, ING Direct and Minute Maid to all pull their ads style” attack against Coca Cola. He said he had the back- Central Assemblies of God Church in Tehran, Iran. from the program. However, the CEO of Coca Cola Spain, ing of executives at the Coca Cola world headquarters in Marcos De Quinto, has maintained his company’s sponsor- Atlanta, though they have not commented. Marian Van Til, with files from CSM, ICC, Asia News ship – and he did not do so quietly. De Quinto’s response generated immediate reaction from AMMAN, Jordan – At an early September conference De Quinto used his Twitter account to pounce on Spanish-speaking Catholics in Spain and Latin America. in Amman, Jordan, 50 Christian leaders from around the Coca Cola’s critics. “May God spare us from groups like Bishop José Munilla Aguirre of San Sebastián criticized Middle East shared grave concerns about a military attack ‘The Guardians of the De Quinto’s attitude, and told the Cope Radio Network that from the United States or other Western countries. “We stress Faith,’ who want to he personally would drink “only pure and crystalline water that we reject foreign interference in Syria,” said Ignatius tell us what TV shows instead of Coca Cola until the situation is cleared up, because Joseph III Younan, Patriarch of Antioch for the Syrian Catho- to watch, what books I think the president of Coca Cola in Spain has made a big lic Church, in a statement read before the conference, which and newspapers to mistake and should retract his statements.” was sponsored by Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan. read, what party to Early in the week of Sept. 2, the Twitter hashtag #Boikot- “We don’t accept any intervention by foreign powers . . vote for,” he wrote. Cocacola became a trending topic in Colombia, Ecuador, . to protect minorities,” Pope Anba Tawadros II of Egypt’s He also used his Peru and Panama, and hundreds of Twitter users announced Coptic church, who was unable to attend the conference Coke faces boycott in Spanish- account, @Marcosd- their decision to stop consuming Coca Cola until De Quinto due to the tense situation in Egypt, said in a statement. “It is speaking countries. eQuinto, to attack the retracts his statements or resigns as CEO. basically a pretext . . . to advance their countries’ interest in the Middle East.” Islamists have burned Christian churches, attacked Christian schools and their students, hurled car bombs and U.S.: CRC headquarters puts creation stewardship into practice tortured and killed converts to Christ. But they prefer to deal with the situation on their own. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (CRCNA) – A “Green Team” The largest Christian community in the Middle East is in of Christian Reformed Church leaders helped spread tons Egypt, with approximately nine million Coptic Christians, of mulch and dig a two-foot-deep rain garden outside the while the country with the highest percentage of Christians CRC’s headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. The rain gar- is Lebanon, where they constitute an estimated one-third of den is a retention pond into whose sandy soil water can the country’s four million residents. Iraq, Syria, Israel and percolate down into the water table. the Palestinian territories have traditionally had significant Comprised of John Bolt, the CRC’s director of finance Christian populations as well, but war and civil unrest have and administration, and four other denominational leaders, caused thousands to leave. the Green Team has come up with a variety of ways to make Father Raymond Moussalli of the Chaldean Church is the Grand Rapids office and grounds more energy efficient worried about that exodus of Christians from his native and environmentally friendly. Syria, where he has family. In this latest effort, the team asked a group called the Plaster Chris Meehan “The Syrian Army is protecting the Christian community Creek Stewards at Calvin College to join the denomination Volunteers spread mulch on the lawn of the CRC offices. [in the Syrian city of Aleppo],” Moussalli said, estimating in trying to stem the amount of groundwater run-off that gets that 10 percent of its 220,000 Christian residents have into the nearby Plaster Creek. With the help of volunteers “For step two, we will see a significantly reduced area of fled. “But if [the Army] leaves, they will be massacred.” from the CRC office, the Plaster Creek Stewards spent the manicured lawn on the north and west side of the build- Many share his concern, particularly as details emerge of morning and afternoon moving dirt, hauling sod and dumping ing.” These areas are being converted to include more trees Islamists’ burning of churches, and torturing and killing wheelbarrows of mulch onto the prepared ground. and additional rain gardens. This will not only reduce the Christians. That trend will become even worse if the Assad “This is a big project for us,” said David Warners, a carbon emissions from the lawn equipment and the water regime were to fall, Moussali believes. Calvin biology professor and a founder of the Plaster Creek required from our sprinkler system, but will also improve Stewards. “When we’re finished and have planted the our management of the rainwater run-off from our paved rain garden, this will be a real showcase for us. We hope areas,” said Bolt. between 40 and 50 species here to see which ones will to motivate people of faith from churches and schools to Warners said water run-off over the last several decades take over the next couple of years.” Warners said a curb come here and see what can be done.” has significantly polluted Plaster Creek, which runs from cut will eventually be made, and water funneled from the Bolt said the CRC has committed itself to address and farmland east of Grand Rapids through several communities, pavement along the side of the CRC building will make carry out the mandate from Synod 2012 to be better stewards including the area behind the CRC offices, before reaching its way into the rain garden. of God’s creation. “While we have been able to make great downtown Grand Rapids and dumping into the Grand River. Kyle Schaap, a policy analyst for the denomination’s strides with the energy and water conservation efforts inside “Right now, four CRC churches that are located along the Office of Social Justice, helped to move large chunks of sod the building, we wanted to see what we could accomplish watershed work closely with us,” said Warners. from the rain garden on Friday morning. He said creation of outside that would not only significantly improve our ‘carbon The Plaster Creek Stewards are dedicated to cleaning the rain garden – and all of the other work – is a direct result footprint,’ but do so in a very visible way,” said Bolt. up the creek, largely through the creation of rain gardens. of the Creation Stewardship Task Force report, whose recom- The Plaster Creek Stewards also plant native grasses and mendations were adopted by Synod 2012. “We are seeing More trees, less lawn needing mowing other plants into the gardens to help manage the runoff. the recommendations of that task force enfleshed by what First, he said, was the addition of more trees and a “We have collected all of the seeds ourselves. They are we are doing here today,” he said. “It’s good to know that berm on the east side of the building at 1700 28th St. S.E. adapted to this climate,” said Warners. “We will plant the administration is willing to lead the way like it is.” My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

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SU MO TU WE TH Principalities FR SA & Powers Everyday Christian David Koyzis Cathy Smith

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Intangible Things Flowers and Thistles Heidi Vander Slikke Curt Gesch Food for the hungry One of the nicest things about retirement is having the time to Words from be an unpaid volunteer for the good of a community. One of the Country Living Wild Horses nicest things about having a garden or farm is having the resources Meindert Vander Galien Warkentins to provide food and relaxation for others. I am speaking here about those of us with sufficient means to enable us to give to others and still pay the bills. I remember having trouble with a leaky pipe to the septic tank when I lived in Surrey, Patchwork Words B.C.,Our onWorld an old Today farm. The former hired-man’s house sat on timbers and there was horrible smell coming from underneath. Melissa Kuipers BertWe Hielemacalled various plumbers and their first question was, “Is this problem in a crawl space?” Then came the excuse, “I don’t think I’ll have time to come and do a repair.” Finally, our friend Art Van Dierman, a retired plumber, came over, squiggled under Martin Luther King's famous speech prompts us to consider: What is the Selma Bridge of our day? the house with some tools and did the repairs. We didn’t know what to do to thank him besides paying the bill. But then he no- ticed the broccoli in the garden. We asked (rather foolishly, I suppose), “Do you like broccoli?” “I wouldn’t mind a little,” was the modest reply. By the time Art left, he Bridges, dreams and had broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini and more: a whole trunk full of vegetables. At that time we were income-poor but land-rich: we rented from a dairy farmer timely preaching who said, “Use as much space as you need for your garden.” When we found out that Gil, the dairy farmer, loved cauliflower, we knew just what to do to thank him for his I selected the title of this dogs and the drowning waters of opposition? unselfishness in getting our huge garden started, rototilled and manured. column, Ambassadors, and I need you, we need each other, to stimulate ***** then worked with others to our vision and our action, sometimes even Some time ago, a neighbour’s wife went on a visit to a relative and we invited visually symbolize it. We troubling ourselves. him for supper. A few days later a huge beef tenderloin appeared. We devoured it came up with the image of utterly – in several installments. a bridge. I am now starting Timely preaching When we travel by airline to Vancouver and are billeted at the Boseckes’ house right to see how apropos this is. What of the preaching in our churches? next to the airport, we bring real eggs (with orange yolks) as a gift. (The airline people A retired Christian Reformed pastor sent Has it become too safe because churches are think about whether each egg has too much liquid to go on board, but always eventually me a note saying that he appreciated the at- too ready to dispose of pastors? Have we give permission after I mention the alternative of cracking each one for a security check). tempts to connect theology and daily life. He addressed issues of doctrine, sure that we When Matt told me he had just too many roosters and too little time to butcher, and commented that he hears too much timeless are right and showing how everyone else is that I could have them, I gladly picked up six. Matt and his wife have three little kids preaching – by which he meant disconnected wrong? Maybe even that is too risky. So we and we have a freezer full of beef, so we could properly thank them for the chicken to the events of the day or the world in which turn to individual piety. We want people to with short ribs and a roast. we live, the world with which we wrestle. experience God in their lives, to be restored ***** in forgiveness and faith, but we stop there. And so it goes. I have a prejudice that tells me that giving away produce comes Timely history What about saved for service? How do we easier when you have grown it yourself. But that would be hard to prove. A lottery- In celebration of the 50th anniversary of specifically engage our neighbours in love? winner from Terrace, B.C., recently made the national news by giving money to local Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” These questions are what we at the Insti- residents who needed money for braces on teen-teeth which enabled one of them to speech, I saw the pictures of the march across tute for Christian Studies are about. What is gain the confidence to apply face-to-face and gain a part-time job. the Selma, Ala. bridge. My wife and I went to the role of the Christian community in issues In my younger days, I had a car that made a horrible screeching, scratching noise the movie The Butler which recapped the ter- of justice? What are the Biblical visions and in the front end. I stopped at a car dealer, who diagnosed a problem with “the trans- rible history of racial segregation in the U.S. words that should drive us into the details of axle.” It would cost more than that old car was worth to repair, so I called my friend, I heard the “Dream” speech on the radio with our society? Why are the church and leaders Al. “Just wait,” said Al, “and I’ll come with a tow-bar and we’ll drag it to my house.” its powerful rhetoric and Biblical imagery, often afraid to be prophetic? How can we The next day Al took off from work early and crawled under that car and replaced and was again both inspired and troubled. support each other and talk with each other, a bearing. For $28 my car was running again. especially when we disagree? How can we be ***** Troubled mind a Christian community with each other, with At harvest time, we regularly give of our surplus produce. Then, several months I am inspired by the Biblical vision, words other Christian communities, with other faiths later, we encounter the secular holiday of Xmas, complete with Black Fridays and and leaders that brought change. I am troubled wrestling with the same issues, and with the the eternal question, “What shall I get for her?” by what has been done, sometimes even in the oppressed, who often can no longer dream, Maybe the best answer would be “Here are some carrots from the root cellar.” Or name of Christianity, to keep people separate hardly sleep, and feel like they are on the “Do you need your sidewalk shoveled?” Or “Do you need your bib overalls mended and oppressed. I am troubled that I was raised opposite side as us? again?” Or “I’m making pancakes [or latkes] tonight and you’re invited.” too much in a “colony” of Christianity that was A Biblical text I love is Ephesians 2:11- My family has always liked to sing Psalm 65 (Genevan, from the grey Psalter sometimes more prone to walls than bridges. I 22. Here Paul celebrates what Christ has done Hymnal). Here is verse three: am troubled that my Christian tradition has a to bring divided humanity, especially Jews, reading of the “antithesis” that tends to place who saw themselves as God’s people, and You bless the earth with stream and rivers, us over against others rather than recognizing Gentiles, who felt rejected, condemned and and with the gentle rain. the struggle between following God or an idol oppressed, together into one household of You settle ridges, soften furrows, within each one of us. I am troubled that I do God. “For he is our peace; in his flesh he has and bless the sprouting grain. not know the struggle of my neighbour well made both groups into one and has broken You crown the year with ample harvest; because I live in my fortress. I am troubled down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility a rich abundance springs. that I am often with the oppressors and the between us” (Eph. 2:14, NRSV). All flocks and grains and hills and meadows – privileged. I am troubled that I often do not Where are the barriers here? What wall of yes, all creation sings. hear the dreams of my fellow believers, and if hostility does Christ still need to break down I do, they are timelessly vague and heavenly now? What is the Selma bridge of our day? I Pass it on. escapist dreams to silence the nightmares of have a dream. Curt Gesch and Betsey actually had a shortage of zucchini this year – possibly the oppressed. I wonder – what should be my Rev. Tom Wolthuis (TWolthuis@icscanada. the first such occurrence in recorded history. (Please don’t send your surplus bridge? Where am I willing to take a stand edu) and his wife, Dawn, dream of bridges through the mail.) Neighbours have also supplied the Gesches with their for justice? With whom am I willing to walk while sharing the position of President of the plenty over the years – food, mechanical genius, friendship. against the powers of darkness, the threatening Institute for Christian Studies in Toronto, Ont. september 23, 2013 page 9

Reviews

Examining our relationship with work

A. A. Adourian faith and work, explaining that work is a “calling” and not God created humanity in his image, affording all people Ever wonder how God merely a job. “Faithful work” is defined as “some kind of with talents and abilities to excel. I now look at evangelism wants you to think about public identification with Jesus, in such a way that a co- with fresh eyes, with a renewed commitment to appreciate work? Timothy Keller worker might want to know more about him.” non-believers in the workplace because I can appreciate has, and in Every Good The book cautions against making work an idol, which what God gave them. Keller also talks about how believers Endeavor he explores “the is defined as “any good thing turned into an ultimate thing.” can come alongside the common grace God has afforded knowledge of who God It argues that work is like gardening (like God in Eden), the world, and be ideal witnesses by being ever mindful of is, his relation to man, his cultivating and creating in order to help others thrive, and it their own sin as they relate with others at work. plan for the world, and exposes sin as the reason why we have problems with such Peppered throughout are “every Christian” or “Christians how the good news (or work. It explores the concept of a worldview, noting that only should” or “It is important” statements. Each one is challeng- gospel) of Christ turns our the Christian worldview is relational, because humanity was ing and thought-provoking and, if prayerfully considered, lives and the way we work created for relationship with God. It also advises churches will teach the reader something, either in individual or group Every Good Endeavor: upside down.” and ministers to “see business as a way of making culture study. I ended the book as I began it, albeit with better ques- Connecting Your Work to Keller breaks down the and of cultivating creation” in order to “support, appreciate tions. One of the questions I am still considering is one Keller God’s Work response to the question and properly lead many members of their congregation.” asks as the book nears a close: “At the end of your life, will by Timothy Keller of how faith affects the Keller includes stories of faith at work, illustrations you wish that you had plunged more of your time, passion (with Katherine Leary Alsdorf) way we work into three using Tolkien’s “Leaf by Niggle”, academic references and skills into work environments and work products that Dutton (member of Penguin parts, each with specific to thinkers and theologians such as Calvin and Luther helped people to give and receive more love? Can you see Books), 2012 sub-questions. He exam- and philosophers such as Ferry, as well as an inspiring a way to answer “yes” to this question from your current ines God’s plan for work account of the book of Esther as it relates to work. Keller career trajectory?” A worthy question, indeed. (“Why do you want to work? That is, why do we need to also defines wisdom and the thought process for making A.A. Adourian has been in the workforce work in order to lead a fulfilled life?”), our problems with good decisions, ending with a discussion of Sabbath rest. for over 15 years. Her personal essay work (“Why is it so hard to work? That is, why is it so often Extensive “Notes” pages at the end of the book provide “My Parents, My Friends,” appears in fruitless, pointless and difficult?”), and lastly, the gospel additional sources for further study. A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. She and work (“How can we overcome the difficulties and Part of what led me to this book was the thought of evan- has an abiding interest in faith and the find satisfaction in our work through the gospel?”). Keller gelizing at work. In light of that, I found Keller’s discussion workplace, and continues to write non- begins and ends the book highlighting the integration of of common grace to be quite helpful. I was reminded how fiction as the Spirit leads.

The City Harmonic delivers with their second album HEART

performed with several previous folk and worship groups. marry the ideals with our real lives.” This song – indeed the And the guitarist Aaron Powell had been playing with both whole album – is honest about humanity’s brokenness, yet Eric and Elias for years before the formation of The City holds up Christ’s example for us. It will surely prove to be Harmonic. Of all those intimately involved in the creation helpful to those who use these songs in communal worship of this album, the newcomer is co-producer Jared Fox, contexts. An example of this honesty is found in the song though he has worked with the band on previous projects, “Strong”, which explores Eric’s struggle with cancer. “I including their Juno-Award winning debut I Have A Dream wasn’t really in a place to write anything,” Eric confesses. (It Feels Like Home). “Emotionally, I felt like a child who had been let down by Sophomore albums typically are very difficult for bands. his parents for the first time. I just couldn’t see my illness as They have to live up to the expectations of the first album a blessing. I couldn’t connect with God. To confront that stuff without progressing so far that they lose the aspects with and write, ‘I am strong in my weakness,’ was really difficult which the fans originally fell in love. The first 40 seconds because I couldn’t deny how I really felt.” of Heart is a striking foretaste of what the entire album Heart ends with a cover of the familiar hymn “My Jesus I has in store for listeners. A simple delicate piano line starts Love Thee.” I felt as if there was something missing although and builds to a smashing crescendo before dropping out as it had several unique musical ideas including a quiet yet the vocals begin. It is musically dynamic and structurally bouncing rhythm. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it until creative. The first four songs on the album don’t deviate Elias begins the line “In mansions of glory” during the final much from the style that the band established on their verse. It then became obvious that no matter how musically debut album. There are glimpses of progression found in creative a band gets, this hymn is meant to have the whole Elias’ vocal versatility as he approaches each song with church singing together. A recording cannot replicate that different vocal techniques; the themes of each song are feeling of community found in congregational singing. Heart complemented by low whispers, high falsettos, melodic Overall, I think this complete album is worth the pur- by The City Harmonic scoops and slurred or quick enunciation. By the fifth song, chase, not just a song or two. I’d recommend purchasers Sept. 2013 “Alive, Alive,” the album is pushing against previous listen to the album through once in a quiet room on a quality Micah van Dijk expectations confidently, using gang vocals and half time stereo to get the grandness and subtleties that the artists and The City Harmonic has created an excellent album, chorus, which form a great anthem. The band intentionally musicians intended. which will inspire, convict, encourage and challenge waits over a minute to get to the chorus in a four minute The City Harmonic will be embarking on a fall tour to Christians around the world through personal story and song, a subversive choice in a radio-influenced culture support this new album through October and November. biblical reflection. Even though Heart is only the second where the chorus of the song is king. The next song is an More details can be found at thecityharmonic.com. Before full length album for the band, each member has rich musi- acoustic track that shifts the mood and brings the listener they leave on tour, they plan to perform at Redeemer Uni- cal experience, all of which contributes to the band’s style. into a penitent and reflective place. versity College on Friday, Sept. 27. Tickets are $14.95 in The lead singer Elias Dummer spent years as the worship The ninth track, “A City On a Hill,” is the first radio single, advance and available at redeemer.ca/tch. Special guests pastor at Grindstone Church in Waterdown, Ont., as well and is based off of the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5. Elias include Eric Brandon and Jennifer Budd. as leading various touring worship groups. The drummer states that this song “takes the high concept view of Christ Micah van Dijk is the Activities and Orientation Coordinator at Josh Vanderlaan honed his skills in a variety of bands and brings it down to earth in the form of the very things Redeemer University College. He recently began a year-long including the Church-in-the-Box ministry while attending he said in the Sermon on the Mount. It also forms a natural study-leave from Redeemer as he travels to the University of Redeemer University College. Bass-player Eric Fusilier transition into the balance of the album which attempts to Glasgow in Scotland to complete a Masters in Popular Music. PAGE 10 christian courier

Features Trouble came to visit, and we were home

Frank DeVries A gift It was a warm summery evening. Leaning against the It was not long after I had left them, apparently, that the open door of De Toko, my parents’ tobacco shop in the doorbell rang at Celia’s home. She answered and there was small town of Alphen aan den Rijn, I peacefully puffed Oom Co. He came to the point quickly: “You and Frank on a North State cigarette, the smoke sluggishly spiraling love each other very much and you two should not be apart upward between the tightly-squeezed storefronts of the for so long. I know you don’t have enough money to go narrow van Mandersloostraat. The usual Saturday crowds to him, so here is a cheque for 1000 guilders.” With a big of young people sauntered by slowly in their typical group- grin on his face, he added, “Go to Canada!” Oom Co’s ro- stroll, weekly recompense for five or six days of school mantic heart and surprising straight-out-of-a-fairytale gift or work. made possible what only days earlier had seemed impos- As there were no sidewalks, everybody passed by close sible. Four months later Celia joined me in the True North, to where I stood, showering me with disconnected batches Strong and Free. We married, a dream was fulfilled, and of banter and chatter. On the opposite side, still relatively we began building our life together, relishing the deep joy close by, people had turned around at the end of the street we had found in each other, yet also dealing with the trials and were moving back to the centre of town again. It was and tribulations occasionally faced by everyone. on that far side that my attention was drawn to two girls I Fast forward 46 years. Out of the blue we were con- didn’t recall having seen before. One was a short, curly- fronted with an experience unlike any other we’d ever had haired blonde, busily talking and gesticulating to her friend. to face before. Suddenly we had to deal with a new, alien The other girl was tall and deeply tanned. Dressed in a feeling, one of ultimate, irreversible disaster, yet one that green sweater and short skirt she moved imperiously, a carried with it a sensation of remoteness at the same time: fetching tableau that slowly shifted into glimpses of gor- this had nothing to do with us – not this. geous legs, dark hair swept back from a classic profile and, At first it had seemed quite innocent. One night, thinking as she looked at me in what I thought was a challenging she felt something strange in one of her breasts, Celia asked way, the largest, most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen. me if I could feel something different there. I palpated it, but did not sense anything out of the ordinary. The next Connecting on van Mandersloostraat day she posed the same question, and again I tried to find Momentarily seeming to size me up, she turned back to something abnormal, but once more I did not feel anything her friend and walked on, leaving me puzzled. Was this the unusual. Not at ease, however, she made an appointment same girl who years ago had been a member of Hosanna, the following day with our family doctor who immediately the local children’s choir? She must have been about 13 referred her to a specialist. Although we had fleetingly at the time, and I recalled finding her very attractive then. contemplated the possibility of breast cancer, we were not Also I remembered a festive evening held on the occasion overly concerned, for just six months earlier a mammo- of the 25th anniversary of Hosanna. Although I was just a gram screening had shown everything to be normal. The beginning piano player, I had been invited to accompany specialist’s comments, however, were not reassuring. Little some group singing, and, spying this girl across the room, did we know that we stood at the beginning of a dark and coward that I was, I asked my kid sister to tell her I liked extended period of uncertainty and fear. her. Now here she was again, only older! Stunned, I stared after her, but she didn’t look back. As she disappeared into Why? the moving crowd once more, I was left by myself, my Celia had always been health-conscious. She regularly peace disturbed, lost in a desert of loneliness. Mene, Mene, ate the hearts out of every cauliflower, stalk of broccoli and Tekel, Parsin – weighed and found wanting. head of lettuce she could get her hands on. We had done Day after day the girl’s face kept haunting me, and I much walking and hiking, ocean kayaking and gunkhol- just had to find out if she really was who I thought she ing, camping and climbing, and slapping a ball back and Frank and Celia DeVries in 1950 (above). Where the ro- was. After some detective work, I was able to obtain her forth on a nearby tennis court, yet none of this prevented mance began ... the van Mandersloostraat today (below). name and address, and one Sunday afternoon I mustered the awful thing that happened. Neither did the fact that she up enough courage to go to her place and ask her to join had always been a happy, even-tempered person. me for a bike ride. After some initial hesitation, I rang the though it had been my plan to move to the U.S., I changed As long as I had known her, Celia had been singing doorbell, and lo and behold, there she was. When I asked my mind when a two-year waiting period for that country songs and hymns in Dutch or English from early morning her if she would like to come with me for a spin, she looked was announced. I opted to join my family in Canada, after till late at night, often translating Dutch lyrics into English at me thoughtfully and went back inside – but left the door all. Now, however, I was faced with two big problems. ones and vice versa on the spot with strange and funny open. Hope blossomed! She returned momentarily, smiled First, I did not have enough money to pay for the trip, and results. Already as a child she sang throughout the day. at me, told me it was okay with her mom, and we both second, my girl and I would be apart for years. What to do? After she left for Canada, her parents purchased both a took off on what turned out to be a life-changing bike ride. The money problem got solved remarkably fast. Celia canary and their very first radio in order to make up for the Pedaling along the Rhine River, we arrived at the small had quite a bit of money saved up and told me I could sudden gap in their daily dose of music! Through the years village of Zwammerdam and crossed the town bridge, plan- have whatever I needed. Once in Canada, the plan was for it became clear that her constant singing found its source ning to bike home along the far side of the river. After a me to save up enough money to have her join me. Then, deep within a bottomless well of inner joy and contentment. while we dismounted. There, sitting in the grass watching in an even more surprising way, the Lord took care of the She always met each new day with a cheerful challenge, small items in the river float by, we talked, looked at each second problem, too. forever desirous of accomplishing something she hadn’t other and talked some more. After what seemed a long time, Every Friday night my parents used to play bridge. done before – creating a homemade card with pressed our heads moved together, and we kissed. Immediately, we They often partnered with Mr. and Mrs. van Beest. Al- flowers, discovering a new author, trying out a new recipe, both sensed that something important, something lasting though these weren’t actual relatives, my siblings and I or, as part of her lifelong love affair with plants, adding an had happened. It was September 1, 1950. always called them Oom Co and Tante Marie. Now, as attractive succulent to the rockery. Sadly, a visit to a cancer mentioned earlier, Celia and I often entertained at family specialist cast a shadow over all that. Decisions about emigration get-togethers, leading sing-songs, and playing our guitar She was told that a biopsy of her breast tissue, together Soon I learned that Celia, for that was her name, played and accordion. Oom Co and Tante Marie had been at some with the results of nuclear imaging pictures, indicated that the guitar. I owned a small accordion. We began playing of these performances and had asked us if we would like she had a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer, a and singing together, often entertaining at parties and spe- to drop by and do a little program just for them. Pleased lobular carcinoma, found in about 15 percent of all invasive cial occasions. We dated for about three years, after which with such a flattering request, we readily agreed. Before breast cancers. It had enlarged to an unusual 10 centimetres. my family left for their long-planned move to Canada. Al- I left for Canada, I stopped at their home to say goodbye. Within two weeks she would have to undergo a radical SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 page 11

Features

mastectomy. Suddenly my girl, my sweetheart, my best Ms. Empathy to handle, and she resolutely drew my Celia friend, was dangerously ill. In the days that followed there up onto her ample bosom and began to cry, too. Upon were times I woke up in the middle of the night finding hearing the hubbub two more volunteer ladies joined the my pillow wet. group, now making for a quartet of weeping women. By The day of the bad news was a sunny one. Arriving home this time my head was getting hot and my glasses were from the specialist, we sought solace in Celia’s favourite steaming up. I heard some stranger say, “Hey, nobody place, the garden. Under the pretext of wanting to take ever cried when I got bald!” Abruptly the crying stopped. some pictures of a flowering fuchsia bush, I asked her to Through my fogged-up glasses I saw four women staring pose in front of it, secretly hoping that one of the photo- at me – obviously not believing they had heard what they graphs would be good enough to be enlarged, so that at thought they had heard. Then one of them began to laugh, the time of the memorial service it could be displayed on a and another, and next we were all laughing so hard that small table in the front of the sanctuary. Celia told me later tears began to stream all over again and a box of Kleenex she had been fully aware of what I was doing, but never was hauled into the room and I got very tired. said anything. I felt we had been dealt a death sentence. This is the day that the Lord has made; Dealing with cancer let us rejoice and be glad in it. The operation went well, and subsequent sessions of Today all this is history. Well over 13 years after this chemotherapy and radiation were scheduled, supplemented difficult time, I have my girl back again. Once more we by Neupogen injections that I had to give her for a time. By play pool, exercise and go for long hand-in-hand walks. now the oncologist had informed us that one of the chemi- Thinking back on that challenging time, it was inspiring cals he needed to use was Adriamycin, a substance that to see how during even the most difficult days her singing, would likely cause Celia’s hair to fall out. Because of this though sometimes muted, never stopped. Now each day we were advised to visit a branch of the Canadian Cancer brings us a new and deeper sense of joy in each other, an Society so that a wig might be selected with the colour and increased sense of carpe diem. Even more than in the past, shape that would match her current locks. We did indeed we chuckle a lot, tease each other, even quibble off and find one that was almost identical to Celia’s own hair, and on – all that is good medicine. a kind, retired hairstylist even came in to style it. Celia We are deeply grateful to the many who have prayed for Grateful for recovery. never wore it. “Wearing this thing,” she said, “makes me us. God heard those prayers. He answered them with songs feel like I am acting in a play.” Instead, when her hair was in our hearts during even the darkest nights, ultimately gone, she made use of attractive kerchiefs and headbands. even granting restoration of health. We are deeply grate- Frank DeVries served as principal and At our visit to the Canadian Cancer Society’s volunteer ful for the Lord’s loving care, the unfailing support of our teacher in Christian schools in Ont. and office, we were met by the kindest of ladies, Ms. Empathy children, the healing hands of the doctors and the variety B.C. He has authored two short novels, herself. She was so demonstrative and caring that my girl, of medical services made available to us here in Canada. God. Noun or Verb? and Frans. Frank up until now incredibly brave, reacted to the lady’s com- The troubles have departed, the ruffles are unruffled and and Celia make their home in Abbotsford, passionate demeanour by breaking down and sobbing, “I it’s all good again. B.C. where they attend Gateway Christian am going to lose my hair.” That was simply too much for Reformed Church.

Admiration – and a word of caution – for Angelina Jolie

Caryn Rivadeneira talent as it is on her physique, shocked us once again by ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on I thought I was long past being shocked by the beautiful removing precious body parts so her children wouldn’t and take control of.” Angelina Jolie. After all, the days of her showing up with have reason to worry and wouldn’t face the risk of losing And again, I hear Jesus’ words echo. This time, with vials of blood around her neck or making out with her their mother. a very different conclusion. “In this world, you will have brother on stage are long past. And certainly I’ve become The spirit of Jesus’ words and the spirit of Jolie’s deci- trouble,” Jesus says in John 16:33. “But take heart! I have used to her radical morph from femme fatale to world-class sion both put a love of others above one’s love of body. overcome the world.” humanitarian and hands-on mother of six – all without skip- In so many ways, this act shimmers with God’s very im- Jesus tells us to take heart, not take control. And yet, ping a beat in her career as an actor and director. age, with his sacrificial love, with the breaking of one body taking control is exactly what most of want to do in the And yet, she managed to shock me still. I imagine she out of love for another. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring face of hard news. Christians ought to remember that while shocked most of us who woke up yesterday to read her all at once. we should be cautious – wearing our seatbelts, eating our eloquent and heartfelt Op-Ed in the New York Times, in And in many ways, I hear Jesus' words echo behind broccoli, looking both ways, removing our breasts – the which she divulged her recent double mastectomy and her Jolie’s decision: “If your hand or your foot causes you to most dangerous thing we can ever do is to believe that we reasons for doing it. stumble, cut it off and throw it away. . . .” control the outcome, that our destiny is totally in our hands, According to Jolie, she discovered that she carried the While Jesus was not talking about double mastec- that our time on this planet is ours to regulate. BRCA1 gene, which, she says, “sharply increases my risk tomies and while clearly the breast cancer gene is not It’s a troubling paradox in this world, of our faith: this of developing breast cancer and ovarian.” “stumbling” and while this verse ought not be taken quite idea that we should live wisely and yet remember that we In fact, according to Jolie, her doctors assessed her so literally – still. The spirit of Jesus’ words and the spirit control so little. And one I’m not sure how best to handle. chance of getting breast cancer at 87 percent and ovarian of Jolie’s decision both put a love of others above one’s Yet we are called to live into this paradox. And to remember cancer at 50 percent. love of body. And that’s a wonderful thing. that even if and when troubles come after every precaution, Although she had not been diagnosed, Jolie underwent For these reasons, Jolie’s decision was a lovely and Jesus has still overcome. All of life’s troubles, for all of us. this radical and voluntary procedure, she writes, because brave act. One I imagine many women in the same situation she knows the pain of watching her own mother wrestle (and of the same means) would consider, if not undertake. Caryn Rivadeneira is the author of Known and Loved:52 with and then succumb to cancer and her children had And yet, in this, there’s a piece, a concern, that I cannot Devotions from the Psalms and Grumble Hallelujah: Learn- started to worry about Jolie’s prospects. shake – something that isn’t unique to Jolie by any stretch. ing to Love Your Life Even When It Lets You Down. Like any good and decent parent, Jolie wanted to be It’s the belief most of us hold that if we just take caution- able to tell her kids, “Don’t worry,” and mean it. So, this ary measures, we can sidestep the sufferings or sickness Reprinted with permission from ThinkChristian.net. most beautiful woman and admired woman, this Holly- or struggles of life. (http://thinkchristian.net/admiration-and-a-word-of- wood star whose fame and fortune is built as much on her “Life comes with many challenges,” Jolie writes. “The caution-for-angelina-jolie/) PAGE 12 christian courier

Features

Books for the Rev. James Dekker retired Irene Vanden Boogaard from full-time ministry in the is a Registered Social Work- cancer journey Christian Reformed Church at er who works for the Niag- the end of June. He lives in St. ara Health System in Acute Sonya VanderVeen Feddema Catharines, Ontario with his Mental Health. Her past ex- Before my friend Terry Bruinsma died of pancreatic wife Rose. perience includes Oncology, cancer, she compiled a book of photographs and memo- In his ministry to ill and dying Palliative Care, and work in ries for her family. The journey of dying often seems to people, James found two books the Developmental Disability necessitate writing, recording or passing on memories as a to be particularly helpful. The Sector. Irene and her husband tangible marker, not only to comfort those left behind, but first is Letters to Myself on Dying: A Journey of Al live in St. Catharines, Ontario. also to console the dying person as she waits for her life to Hope, Pain, & Courage by Mirth Vos (Baker Books Two books that Irene has found extremely helpful, end – and to begin with Christ in its fullness. and CRC Publications, 1999). James says, “Mirth’s both as a practitioner and for her patients, are Woman In Letters from the Land of Cancer, Walter Wangerin severe honesty and lack of feeling sorry for herself Cancer Sex and Man Cancer Sex, both written by does exactly that through letters he wrote to family and struck me deeply and worthy of spreading about, not Anne Katz, RN, PhD (Hygeia, 2009). friends soon after he was diagnosed with cancer. With merely to dying folks, but to healthy people whom Irene says, “In my experience, sex and sexuality honesty and humour, he expresses his longing for their I thought would benefit from her introspective and are topics that, if not taboo, at the least are often very support. He notes that if he wrote letters without sharing faith-founded pilgrimage. She never denied the pain uncomfortable for both patients and practitioners to them, “they would lose dimension and resonance. But to and the eventually terminal sentence, but she did address. Whether dealing with the effects of treat- write, as it were, before a chorus of ears and under a choir acknowledge being tempted to do so. Thus, it took ment or surgery for various cancers (breast, ovarian, of minds – this grants me the sense of a surrounding con- great spiritual self-discipline to have the courage to testicular, prostate, colon), cancer patients may feel gregation singing glory-hymns” (p.165). be honest with herself and with those around her. either embarrassed to broach this subject, unsure of Whether you have cancer, or are supporting someone Years ago, someone said to me, ‘Death is not the how to respond to a partner’s needs or demands, or who does, Wangerin’s reflective book will offer comfort worst thing that can happen to a Christian.’ Mirth’s they may feel that they no longer are able to enjoy as it points to the Shepherd who alone can give peace, no testimony reminded me of that when I first heard of a sexual experience or intimacy. I have also worked matter what the circumstances. the impending final steps of her life. It’s never fun with patients that are dismissive of this aspect of their facing one’s own or a dear one’s death, but such personhood because of guilt, i.e., ‘I should just be ********** grounded insight helps make it less unbearable.” glad to be alive, so I shouldn’t worry about this.’” The second excellent resource James recom- Irene used both these books as the basis of a I’ve asked James Dekker, Hugh Cook, Irene Vanden mends is Good Grief: Turning the Showers of Women’s Sexual Health group that she facilitated Boogaard, Karen deBlieck and Mary Ann Benjamins, Grief and Pain into Sunshine by James Granger at the Cancer Centre. About the experience, she says, people who have either had cancer them- Westberg. The 50th anniversary edition is available “I had women ranging from early 20s to late 70s in selves or supported someone who has, to in paperback (Fortress Press, 2011). James says, the groups. I cannot tell you how thankful they were recommend other helpful books. “This splendid short book is not necessarily good to have some resources that dealt with this topic.” for going through grief after death, but I think it’s helpful for those approaching death. Westberg links Sonya VanderVeen Feddema what he calls ten stages of grief much more pasto- (sonyavf55hotmail.com) is a freelance rally, concretely and less clinically than Elizabeth writer living in St. Catharines, Ont. Küebler-Ross does in her book, On Death and Dy- Mary Ann Ben- ing. He doesn’t use case studies so much as describe jamins is the Awards situations within communities (families, groups of Manager for The friends) so that anticipated or current grief isn’t seen Word Guild, and Karen deBlieck is a writer merely as individual. That didn’t surprise me when writes from her home of young adult fiction who was I first read it about 40 years ago because Westberg in Brantford, Ontario. diagnosed with breast cancer was a Presbyterian pastor and teacher.” About her experience around her 30th birthday. A with cancer, she says, lumpectomy, chemo and radi- “When first diagnosed ation followed. She lives with with a 14-centimetre tumour, the oncologist gave her husband and four children me a grim prognosis of less than two years. It was in Brantford, Ontario. Hugh Cook, author of four only when I showed him a glossy photo of my four Karen recommends Dear books, including the recently young children that he booked a date for surgery. Deb: A Woman With Cancer, published Heron River, is retired Now I have been married for 25 years, have five A Friend With Secrets, and the Letters that Be- from teaching at Redeemer Uni- kids aged 14 and up, and also am a grandmother. came Their Miracle by Margaret Terry (Thomas versity College. He and his wife The last recurrence of cancer has been more than five Nelson, 2012). She says, “Dear Deb is more than a Judy live in Hamilton, Ontario. years ago and I believe I have more than exceeded story about a woman who is diagnosed with termi- When Hugh was diagnosed everyone’s expectations, and by the grace of God, nal cancer. It’s a story about the miracle of healing. with prostate cancer, he wanted will continue to do so.” Margaret Terry’s letters start out as encouragement to find out as much as he could about it. So, he read Mary Ann’s short story appears in A Second Cup for a friend. But with each word poured out on the A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered of Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stimulate the Mind page, each happy and sad memory from her own life, Patient’s Guide by Stephen B. Strum, M.D., and and Delight the Spirit (Edited by Nancy Lindquist something incredible begins to happen. A miracle. Donna Pogliano (Life Extension Media, 2002). and Wendy Elaine Nelles, That’s Life! Communica- This book isn’t focused on the struggle with cancer. About the book, Hugh says, “It basically ex- tions, 2011). About the book, she says, “It brings It is a story about meeting God – the strength, width plained a number of terms I should know associated together stories, poetry and the insights of real people and breadth of God in the ordinary and extraordinary with the disease, the nature of prostate cancer, and in order to inspire readers to overcome their own here on earth. And in the glory beyond. The letters different options I had for treatment. It was espe- challenges. The book features several stories by can- tie the two women closer together. Margaret Terry’s cially the latter that was helpful for me, and enabled cer survivors and each offers his or her own recipe for snapshots of her own life helped to put my life, five me to make an informed choice to do surgery rather surviving the gloomy days that accompany serious years cancer free, into perspective. I believe that it than have radiation.” illness. The stories will help remind readers that, will bless anyone who reads it as it touches upon At present, Hugh is feeling excellent and consid- when things seem darkest, it’s important to keep the struggles of any person living in a fallen world.” ers himself cancer-free. seeking the light of God’s love and grace.” SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 page 13

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tful E Ar ye Poems from the Valley Cathy Smith for Dad, whose favourite Psalm has always been the Twenty-third

I Clench‑fisted Love so frequent, you the Word‑Made‑Flesh, November 1986 it seems to Mom your heart will burst. (after your own operation, the Creator’s own Personification of after some fifty prodding examinations, love, The most dreadful moment She cries after 9000 pills in various doses and can perceive the prayer (still seared on my sight) at your side sequences, within a poem. in my thirty‑one years, Dad, on the bathroom floor after innumerable bloodtests, was to watch as you bow before the porcelain god after countless stiffening hours in V Graceful Humour you helpless who demands your very internal organs waiting rooms, September 1992 wrapped in sterile white as the sacrifice for your life. after eighteen CAT scans, rolled too efficiently on a stretcher after radiation, agonizingly alone in a You, towards me Deluged with sweat drum, after your transfusion, speechlessly rooted you stumble outside after three courses of chemotherapy, so sick, and Mom sobbing, clutching, releasing ... for air? after five years of relentless combat with so frustrated as they too neatly swung ... to spare her your pain? cancer) with your rebellious, rumbling body you ... to spare yourself her pain? hurry alongside her stretcher which would not submit into the elevator’s hungry mouth. and when visitors were present Pleading whisper, but would so loudly and insistently How could you Lord, is this the time? “If I could do it for you, expel its complaints. at that dreadful moment in choppy thoughts honey, think of me! Lord, make this the time! I would.” How you and we look at me! experienced laughter’s sweet release and raise your bare forearm high Stricken again, when your dear friend Henk and clench your fist at the corner of the driveshed sprang to the window, in defiant courage? for the twentieth time studiously scanned the sky, in the endless day and inquired, And did you too, Heavenly Father, you vomit. (with perfectly serious demeanour) at that most dreadful moment Yellow bile puddles at your feet. “Did you see any lightning?” when you turned your face from your Beloved As Mom watches you through the VI Epilogue look at me! kitchen window, May 1993 think of me! her shoulders heave. Her racking sobs I remember, and raise a colossal clenched fist shake her tears Dad, in costly triumph into the sink. when we toured the cancer clinic, over the shuddering earth? you said, You totter into the shed IV Midnight Clarity “I hope no one else (Mom frantically immobile) January 1992 in our family and emerge with a spade ever has to go through this. One is What absurdity this ... enough.” and then, you, I'm still crying a little lower than an angel, in the hospital, for this your constant dying. you, battling your body for your life again Even one, whom you love, is one too with humble human dignity and many! cover the offense me, But I remember, too, the conclusion of from the sight of heaven and earth, at home, your favourite psalm. still strong though stooped. composing poems. These poems originally appeared in II When Keepers of the House Do I think I can The Banner in 1994. Cathy’s father, Tony Tremble and Strong Men Stoop suffuse your suffering with meaning Boer, passed away from non-Hodgkin’s August 1991 if I can coherently contain it in words? lymphoma two years later. or Mom told me. do I merely trivialize your pain by circumscribing it secondhand You, on paper? on your worst day yet, just after the third treatment of the third I tell myself chemo‑go‑round, III Love on Legs that I should pray the vicious wonder drug December 1991 but instead assailing your inmost parts I ponder poetry. indiscriminately. Edith‑Ann told me. Then . . . epiphany. Your weary suffering inhumane; When she had to undergo emergency Comfort infuses me. the retching so violent, surgery, Clearly, PAGE 14 christian courier

Columns

How choosing peace at home can stop the war in Syria My boys are asleep in way car. the room nextdoor. They The policeman who shot Sammy are young enough to be- forgot that he was a person. He ob- lieve in magic and tickles. jectified him. He made him into an They are young enough to object of his judgement and anger. There aren't enough hours in my day to listen to all the stories on my street. ask me to pray when they In order to kill, you have to objectify, get sick. And they’ll al- because as soon as you begin to hu- ways be young to me. manize someone, it’s impossible to take But the world has a way of forgetting their life. Not on my way its sons and daughters. It has a way of making them grow old Playing God to Egypt yet too soon, or ending their lives before Objectification is the killer’s true am- they start. munition. And it kills long before any bullet does. We play God with our guns. My husband Mark has di- told me she was getting a shot in her spine Young men like Sammy Yatim We determine someone’s destiny when abetes, controlled thus far by the next day. She gave me a donation and from Syria in fact we don’t even know our own. diet and exercise. My broth- brought me up to date on her family. Her Sammy lived in Toronto, but his fam- Unless we know the number of hairs on er Rick injects himself with son has severe diabetes and needs a new hip. ily had emigrated from Syria, and the someone’s head; unless we have hung insulin several times a day. We talked briefly about the recent loss of her boy’s life ended July 26 when a police- the world in orbit and know the names of So when asked to canvass husband. She told me to drop by anytime; man tasered him and then shot him nine all of the stars; unless we have sent our my street on behalf of the Ca- she would love to have me visit. times after he wielded a knife on an empty son to die on behalf of a broken world; nadian Diabetes Association, I said, “Sure.” subway car. Sammy was 18 years old. unless we bend low while others cast It’s a sobering thing to ask your neighbours The important things Sammy and his family were among the stones and write Forgiven in the sand, for money. Every front door opens to a story. Jesus commands me to love my neigh- hundreds of thousands who’ve fled Syria we are not God. And if we are not God, One of my neighbours is a Mary Kay bours. I don’t know how to do that, ex- over the past five years. Syria – with all of we are unable to determine the number consultant who drives a pink SUV. She actly. There aren’t enough hours in my its forgotten people: all of its marginalized of days a person shall live. calls me (and everybody) “pumpkin” and day to listen to all the stories on my street. people who’ve been pushed over the bor- So let’s make some changes. “honey.” An American, she’s never forgot- There isn’t enough room in my heart to ders by hatred. This war that began back Let’s start choosing peace at home. ten that my sister and I sent her flowers after carry all the neighbourhood joys and sad- in spring 2011 has killed over 100,000, the Let’s begin speaking peacefully. Let’s 9/11, so she’s fond of me despite the fact nesses. Add in my family, my church, my UN tells us, and 7,000 of those children. love radically. Let’s stop fighting with that I rarely buy makeup. A few years ago Facebook friends and global neighbours Sammy was in the wrong for threaten- our spouses and our children. We choose her husband left her for one of her friends. on my TV screen, a suffocating press of ing the police, but his death was not the life or death in the way we conduct She’s had to re-mortgage her house and start needy humanity, and I become undone. answer. He had a story and beliefs and a ourselves on a daily basis. There will her life over. When I mentioned that Mark Lord, how am I to pray for all who need favourite book. He had dreams and hopes be a ripple effect. Our children will was diabetic, not only did I get a generous prayers, to mourn with all who mourn, to and a family that loved him, until the gun learn peace and in turn their children. donation, but I came home with three books rejoice with all who rejoice? reached in and took that from him. And maybe in time the world will lay about gluten-free diets and alternative health I’m drawn to the hope that neighbourli- The Globe and Mail shares some of his down its swords and pick up a child. remedies. ness counts as love, that I can be an imitator story: Born Nov. 5, 1994, Sammy has been Because isn’t it peace Jesus has called My 80-year-old neighbour had seven bags of Christ by sending flowers, canvassing described as a mama’s boy who grew up us to? Isn’t it Jesus who said to turn the of raked-up leaves at the end of her drive- for a charity or buying geraniums from the in a wealthier Aleppo other cheek, and way. She cuts her own grass and walks ev- little girls next door who are fundraising for enclave and went to to give the clothes ery day. Her vigour is astounding. Although their school. I take comfort in the advice that Al Amal, a private off our backs and we’ve chatted many times outside, I’d never novelist Henry James gave to his nephew: Christian school. to forgive 70 been inside her home. It was immaculate. Of “There are three things that are important He went to church times seven? Isn’t course she wanted to donate, she said. She in human life. The first is to be kind. The on Sundays and his it Jesus who said told me about her 57-year-old daughter who second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.” mother’s home was to put our swords suffers from loss of vision due to detached Somehow kind seems do-able, a downsized decorated with pic- back in their place retinas in both eyes. She can’t drive anymore love that’s manageable. tures of Jesus. He because those and had to quit her job. Now she’s dependent In Christianity Today (June 2013), Caro- played the guitar, lis- who live by the on her husband for almost everything and is lyn Arends relays the advice that singer Rich tened to Arabic mu- sword die by it? taking classes to learn how to function with Mullins used to give his fans: “God’s will is sic and swam in the We choose life or death in the way we And aren’t we limited eyesight. My heart is breaking as my that you love him with all your heart and soul pool at Mr. Baurak’s conduct ourselves on a daily basis. supposed to love neighbour tells me this. and mind, and also that you love your neigh- grandmother’s house. our enemies? The neighbour two doors down goes to bour as yourself. Get busy with that, and With a stomach full But these words the Baptist church. Now retired, he used to then, if God wants you to do something un- from a sandwich or eggs, prepared by mean nothing unless we start putting own the only grocery store in town. Some usual, he’ll take care of it. Say, for example, his doting mother or by Sammy himself, them into action. time ago he was diagnosed with a rare skin he wants you to go to Egypt. If that’s the he and his friend Zuhair Baurak mined Let’s forgive. cancer on his face and had to undergo ex- case, he’ll provide 11 jealous brothers, and dusty antique shops in search of light- Let’s drop the weapons, because tensive surgeries and treatments. He’s lost they’ll sell you into slavery.” ers, perfumes and, especially, knives. For death comes fast enough a lot of weight but he was jovial as he met So I guess I’ll just stay here on Thames the boys, at the time around 10 years old And let’s make life as full as possible, me at the door and gave a donation. When Street trying to be kind unless God chooses and close like brothers, it didn’t matter for as long as possible, till heaven calls I asked him what he’s been up to, he told to send me to Egypt. how sharp the knife was, just whether the us home. me he had gone fishing that day. He’d had handle was unique and decorative – some- an awesome day relaxing and thanking the (With thanks to my neighbours who kind- times the blade was so dull it couldn’t cut Emily Wierenga is the author of Lord for his recovery. ly gave me permission to write about them.) anything; sometimes it was so rusty it fell Chasing Silhouettes, and Mom in the One of my neighbours is a widow who off the handle completely. Mirror: Body Image, Beauty and Life goes to my church. She hobbled over to the Cathy Smith ([email protected]) It would be this fascination with knives After Pregnancy. For more info, please front door to let me in. She was experiencing is Features Editor with CC. She lives in that would get him in trouble on the sub- visit emilywierenga.com. severe back pain, not something new. She Wyoming, Ont. SEPTEMBER 23, 2013 page 15

Columns

If not blame . . . then what?

Carl Alasko, author of to be less emotionally reactive. To help ror acknowledgement and apology). At Spread peace Beyond Blame: Eliminat- in that area, he encourages us to ask our- the same time, for me not to worry about The best part of the book is the last chap- ing the Most Toxic Form of selves the “question of intention,” by ask- Eden when I am at work, I think we need ter, which pulls everything together. The au- BS from Your Life, would ing questions such as “what do I want to to set up a weekly pick-up schedule so that thor uses six instructional stories to further like to put an end to blame accomplish right now?” It allows us to there will be less confusion illustrate the concepts and because of the destruc- choose how we are going to deal with in the future. What do you methods described in the tion it causes. Alasko ac- the problem. Choosing requires thinking, think?” (Setting up a plan to book. Here Alasko reminds knowledges the tendency to as opposed to feeling. We cannot resolve repair the error and prevent a the reader that while the pos- blame when something bad happens from issues when we are emotionally driven. recurrence). itive accountability model is a deep-rooted desire to see justice done. Managing our emotions is the first step Of course, there would highly effective, not every And understandably, when a grave crime to treating one another with respect and be variations of this type of situation will reach a mutu- has been committed, that makes sense. dignity, which in turn lowers the threat of dialogue between persons de- ally satisfying conclusion. However, blaming can become a danger- blame and makes room for a more satisfy- pending upon the issue. The problem can’t be solved ous habit when we try to use it to change ing communication. if either one of the people something or someone in our world, be- For simplicity’s sake, Alasko boils the Learn from our past involved doesn’t want it cause blame’s arsenal of criticism, accusa- positive accountability practice down While Alasko is not a Chris- solved. This brings me to the tion, punishment and humiliation drives into two steps: First, “to thoughtfully ac- tian author, he has a good proverb on my favourite cof- people away. knowledge an error, your own or another handle on the fallibility of the fee mug: PEACE BEGINS person’s, and then to consider how to re- human condition. He encour- WITH ME. True, we cannot Positive accountability pair it, if necessary. Second, to express an ages his readers to both learn change someone else, but And so, the author helps readers untan- emotion or a need without using criticism, more about their own limitations and to we can at least ensure that our own behav- gle the various layers of blame that exist in accusation, punishment or humiliation become more accepting of those limita- iour is “beyond blame.” relationships and offers a common sense, and with the goal of not triggering nega- tions. He firmly believes that studying our step-by-step method for replacing blame tive reactions.” past mistakes will prevent similar mistakes with what Alasko calls “positive account- An example could be something like in the future. As Christians, we sometimes Arlene Van Hove ([email protected]) is ability”, an effective approach that helps this conversation between a husband and too quickly gloss over painful times and try a therapist and member of the Fleetwood us ask for what we need without using a wife: “I seem to have misunderstood you to bring comfort with words of grace and CRC in Surrey, B.C., seeking to spread our blame. in terms of when you would be available forgiveness instead of firmly facing the past peace among the people she encounters. Alasko first stresses that we must learn to pick up Eden. I am sorry about that (er- and learning from it.

Exodus closing: Part II

I firmly believe that we ney with their gender and sexuality. Maybe direction they are currently headed. Some worship a Sovereign God. that was never God’s intention for his bride. would call those people heretics. There We don’t often rejoice in Some people in the midst of the journey to are people outside the church who are God’s sovereignty. Why? closing Exodus were hurt by things said. applauding and celebrating the closure. Exodus International was a non- Because we are human and They perceived and interpreted things and We may not agree with the decisions profit, interdenominational, ex-gay our minds cannot compre- through that experience came to different that were made, yet we can choose to Christian organization with the goal hend the vast expanse of conclusions. Does this mean we lay blame recognize that God in his Sovereignty is of helping people who wished to God’s plan for all humankind and our place on the whole organization? Does this mean in control. Regardless of what has hap- limit their homosexual desires. It in this plan. In this place we are called to it has failed everyone? pened with Exodus International, even if was founded in 1976, but ceased live in a mess. The mess of uncertainty, pain we don’t understand or fully agree with activities in June 2013, issuing a and sorrow caused by the effects of sin. We Our God reigns the decisions made, we can agree that statement which repudiated its aims are called to walk with others through the I am not distraught by the closure of God is sovereign, he is in control, and he and apologized for the harm their consequences of relational, emotional and Exodus International. I have received much, is calling us to do his will. His will is to pursuit has caused to LGBT people. sexual messes. Not a place for the faint of for which I will be forever grateful. I have seek the kingdom of God, to walk with Last month, Kenny shared some of heart, but an actual calling for each member met amazing people who continue to en- others, and to always be ready to share the his initial thoughts on the closure of of the body of Christ to embrace. courage and inspire me. No matter the mo- hope within us. To endure till the end, to Exodus International, with reflections Through the devastating loss of three tive of those involved with the decisions, hold fast to the Word of God and to pray on how Exodus impacted his life babies by miscarriage, I have learned to I hold to the truth that God is in control. I that the Holy Spirit illuminate it within as a “spiritual booster shot, which sit with people in grief, with no easy choose to not speak ill of my brothers and us and to pray that we not fall away to equipped him to go home to what answer. To cry with them as they hurt, sisters, but to pray for them, to encourage easy, watered-down theology. A theology can be a dry and weary land.” This to serve them in a practical way. I’ve them and to spur them on toward the prize that would appease our sinful desires. month, he continues with thoughts learned that we are not called to give an set before us. So, let us rejoice in the sovereignty of about living under God’s sovereignty easy answer but to sit with our hurting James 1:26-27 reads: “Those who con- God over our messes, even the current in the middle of a community of family members and to sometimes just sider themselves religious and yet do not mess caused by the closing of Exodus sinful people. keep our mouths shut as we each struggle keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive International. with God’s sovereignty over our lives, themselves, and their religion is worth- sometimes in painful ways. less. Religion that God our Father accepts Kenny is a writer, painter and photographer Exodus International attempted to help as pure and faultless is this: to look after passionate about gender, sexuality, culture, many people, to walk with them through orphans and widows in their distress and community and how these pertain to the their messes, but now it has closed. Maybe to keep oneself from being polluted by Body of Christ. He lives in Winnipeg, Exodus International had become an idol to the world.” Manitoba, with his wife Paula and their some. Maybe it was deemed the only place There are many people within the daughter, Phoebe, where he's working on his where people could find solace in their jour- church who agree with Exodus and the first book. My Window Seat PAGEThe 16Public Square christian courier Mendelt Hoekstra ColumnHarry Antonides The peculiar power Christ @ Culture From the 11th Q+A with modern hymn writers Province of music-and-text, Keith and Kristyn Getty Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til redux Last month I wrote gives comfort. A hymn-like trio (the Michael Zwiep of the peculiar power angels again) promises: Lift thine eyes Keith and Kristyn Getty are ushering in a new era of old-time common metre harmonies of music. Now I want to the mountains, whence cometh help. and heartfelt congregational singing in evangelical churches across North America, bridging Toddlers to Teens From the toLab tell you a story that Thy help cometh from the Lord, the the gap between traditional and contemporary worship. Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboomwonderfully illustrates Maker of heaven and earth. He hath Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, songs by the hymnal revivalists, including the that. said, Thy foot shall not be moved; thy well-known anthem of hope and assurance, “In Christ Alone,” are finding an audience in a It was a hard sum- Keeper will never slumber. The chorus diversity of evangelical traditions.

mer. I had Crohn’s-relatedSU MO anemia reinforces the message: He watching The Gettys have performed at sold-out concerts and witnessed growing music sales across TU WE TH FR Principalities andEveryday a looming Christian problem that lookedSA over Israel slumbers not, nor sleeps. North America. In a candid interview, Keith Getty spoke with Campfire! Bible Camp and Edu- & Powers like Stage three kidney disease. So Shouldst thou, walking in grief, lan- Deo Ministries from Nashville, Tennessee. Keith and Kristyn Getty have a daughter, Eliza Joy, David Koyzis oneCathy August Smith Sunday as I began the guish, he will quicken thee (Ps. 121). and are expecting a second child in December. 45-minute drive to church I was fa- There’s yet more reassurance in a gen- tigued, depressed. I didn’t want to play tle alto aria: O rest in the Lord, wait How did both you and Kristyn the organ; I wanted to be in bed. I self- patiently for him, and He shall give become interested in the songwrit- Technically Speaking pityinglyGetting asked Unstuc myselfk (and God), “If thee thy heart’s desires (Ps. 37:1, 4, 7). ing process and music as a calling I feel like this now, how am I going to Thus assured and reassured, Elijah and profession? When did you Derek Schuurman feelArlene 10 yearsVan Hove from now – if I’m still can profess: I go on my way in the first collaborate together and start here?” strength of the LORD. For thou art my writing songs? I turned on the car radio. I heard: LORD: and I will suffer for thy sake. Our mutual interest in music and Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he My heart is therefore glad, my glory songwriting began when we both Intangible Things willFlowers sustain and thee. Thistles He never will suf- rejoiceth, and my flesh shall also rest were young. My focus leaned toward fer the righteous to fall: He is at thy in hope (Ps.71). Those last words classical music and orchestration Heidi Vander Slikke rightCurt hand. Gesc Thyh mercy, Lord, is great; utterly cheered me: “And my flesh” – and I began writing songs after many and far above the heavens. Let none my body – “shall also rest in hope.” years of involvement in church mu- be made ashamed that wait upon Thee By the time I arrived at church my out- sic and studying music at university. (PsalmsWords 55:22, from 16:8, 108:4, 25:3). look had radically altered. I was ready. Kristyn grew up in a church plant and Country Living WildYou Horses may recognize that as from There’s a crucial postscript to was immersed in contemporary music, so she ferent cultures. Perhaps this has filled a void Meindert Vander Galien Mendelssohn’sWarkentins oratorio Elijah, sung this story. I was deeply thankful for started writing songs in that style. Kristyn’s in the modern church. It might also illustrate by the chorus impersonating angels. that people were praying for me, but uncle, Dr. John Lennox, introduced us and a growing need for new songs that teach the Instantly it seemed as if Elijah my health hadn’t improved, nor had suggested we chat. We began writing music truths of the faith in our churches today. – a work I’ve loved since childhood my anxiety eased: kidney disease together immediately and have continued to Patchwork Words –Our were W beingorld T broadcastoday just for me. along with Crohn’s would drastically do so ever since! Your worship songs and hymns are in- That’s often how the Spirit works. God shorten my life. I wasn’t scared for creasingly being embraced by Canadian Melissa Kuipers graciouslyBert Hielema ignored my whiny ques- myself but for my husband, Ed, who How has your Gaelic heritage and roots churches. Do you have any anecdotes or tioning and assured me, “I will sus- has post-polio syndrome. (And, OK, I in Northern Ireland influenced your song- observations of the Canadian church to tain you. You are mine.” God’s Word, admit it: also for our six cats, who Ed writing and musical sensibilities? Do you share? alone or with music, never returns to would be unable to care for alone; and believe your experiences within the context We have enjoyed every trip we have made him empty. who would miss me. As would Ed, I of the United Kingdom have given you a to Canada. Some of our favourite memories “Cast Thy Burden” creates a spirit- imagine!) unique perspective of the North American occurred at the annual Break Forth renewal stilling moment after the frantic, fruit- On Tuesday night I had a dream. church? conference in Edmonton, Alberta, as well as less cries of Baal’s priests for god-sent Or I was actually awake; I’m not sure. I We are grateful for our Irish heritage and with many of our friends in Toronto, a city fire to consume the water-soaked sac- was aware that I was continually pray- the central role it has played in our work as not too far from our former home in Ohio. rifice. After the true God’s spectacular ing for healing. And then a remarkable musicians. The beauty found in the Celtic The Canadian church seems to be more simi- answer to Elijah’s quiet prayer, the thing happened. The profound fatigue melody is one that is round, warm and deeply lar to the British church than the American prophet sings a thrilling aria – terri- I had felt for many days lifted, rolling heartfelt. I think the influence of growing church, so we always feel a bit more at home, fying for those who defy God – that off like a wave from my feet to my up immersed in Celtic music created in us a along with the fact that more Irish people live sums up the Mt. Carmel confrontation head. And I felt – or heard – the as- love for strong lyrical melodies. Also, Celtic in Canada than in the United States! and points to the eventual defeat of all surance, “Don’t be anxious. I’ve heard melodies are folk melodies, which, like many God-opposing Evil: Is not his word like you. All will be well.” The next after- other types of folk music, are geared toward As expectant parents, can listeners ex- a fire: and like a hammer that breaketh noon my doctor’s office called. The re- singing as a group. Consequently, I think pect a future album regarding your jour- the rock into pieces? For God is angry sults of my blood work and other tests our songs are broadly used in large part be- ney of faith and parenthood? with the wicked every day: and if the done on Monday were in. “Your kid- cause they are easily sung by large groups of You can certainly expect more songs to wicked turn not, the Lord will whet His neys are normal,” said the nurse. people. My heritage as a Scots Presbyterian be inspired by what God is teaching us as sword: and He hath bent His bow, and And then shall your light break taught me to love theology, and this continues parents. Overall, our hymn writing is looking made it ready (Jer. 23:29, Ps. 7:11-12). forth as the light of the morning break- to play an important role in our songwriting. more toward the themes of family, genera- God’s picture of his Word as fire eth; and your health shall speedily With every hymn we write, our desire is for tions and children. We are also writing more and rock-shattering hammer is stun- spring forth then; and the glory of the the Word of Christ to dwell richly in the be- children’s songs and possibly even a few lul- ning, especially with Mendelssohn’s LORD ever shall reward you. LORD, liever’s heart through the lyrics. labies here and there. fiery music. I was heartened. There is our Creator how excellent thy name is even succour in God’s wrath, in know- in all the nations! Thou fillest heaven Your songs are finding an audience in a See ad on page 20 for details on their sole ing that in Christ he breaks Satan’s evil with glory. Amen diversity of evangelical traditions – are you 2013 Canadian performance, Thursday, – including the evil of chronic and ter- (Isa. 58:8, Ps. 8:1; final chorus, able to account for the reason of such wide- October 24 at Hamilton Place’s Ronald V. minal illness. Mendelssohn’s Elijah). spread and broad appeal? Joyce Centre for the Performing Arts. Yet despair arises. Elijah, alone, I am always surprised by how many peo- weary, self-concerned, tells the LORD, ple use the hymns. In addition to our empha- “It is enough: O LORD, now take away Marian Van Til (mvantil@roadrunner. sis on the sound theological content of our com) is a former CC editor living in Michael Zwiep is the Eastern my life....” I’m not comparing myself music, we are also particularly committed Youngstown, NY. She blogs at Re- Development Director at to Elijah, but in my own weariness to writing songs that are attractive and easy formedRevelry.wordpress.com. EduDeo Ministries in Hamilton, and illness, I could relate. Again God to sing for all generations, churches and dif- Ont. September 23, 2013 page 17

Classifieds

Anniversaries

1953 September 23 2013 “Praise the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever”.

Len and Shirley VanRaamsdonk (nee Span) Congratulations on your 60th Anniversary We loved celebrating altogether, earlier this summer, and pray that God continue to bless you. Your children: Mary & Bob Corner, Barrie, Ont. John & Laureen VanRaamsdonk, Rollyview, Alta. Teresa & Andrew Ponsen, Burlington, Ont. Caroline & Gordon Kralt, Beamsville, Ont. Jennifer & Paul Brink, Boston, Mass. Much love from the grandchildren and great-grand- children. It is with much joy and thankfulness to God that we the children, Home address:105-7950 McLaughlin Rd S grandchildren and great-grandchildren announce the Brampton ON L6Y 5V9 60th Wedding Anniversary of

Kees and Alice Vander Spek With thanksgiving to our Lord the family of They were married in Woodstock on September 25, 1953, farmed and Willowdale CRC of Toronto, Ont. Dirk and Shirley Verkuyl (nee Roffel) will be celebrating 50 years of God’s faithful- settled in the area of Woodstock where they still live after 60 years! ness as a congregation with a church announce their 60th wedding anniversary We congratulate them and thank them for their example of love and , and a on Sept. 26, 2013 Open House Dinner Special Worship dedication to God, family and neighbours. Service being planned for the weekend of Jackie & Wiebe Brinkman (Bowmanville) Saturday and Sunday Cathy and Peter Kralt Helen & Tony Boyko (Richmond Hill) October 19th & 20th, 2013. Neil and Janet Vander Spek Derek & Tracy Verkuyl (Oshawa) Connie and Peter Bos For more information on times and locations Kevin & Margaret Verkuyl (Whitby) Elizabeth Halliday and the late Bruce Halliday please see our website: www.willowdalecrc. Marion & Dave Denhollander (Salmon Arm, BC) Marion and Bob Dieleman com, or email us at [email protected], or Shirley & Ray Buisman (Ottawa) Janet Vander Spek call the church office at along with 26 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. 416-221-7829. David and Joyce Vander Spek We look forward to reconnecting with our former 24 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren Address: 804 Greystone Court members! Oshawa ON L1K 2V1 Address:103 - 900 Chieftain Street, Woodstock ON N4T 0B7

Obituaries Grace CRC of Scarborough (Toronto) DAY OF 50th Anniversary Celebration on ENCOURAGEMENT November 14, 1928 September 2, 2013 On the evening of September 2, 2013, November 10, 2013 Winterswijk, Netherlands Tavistock, Ontario the Lord is His providence took home 10:00 am worship service followed by a dinner John Grevers Christina Groot (nee Bakker) and a special program. Entered peacefully into the presence of his Lord at the age of 75 years. All friends and former members invited. and Saviour in his 85th year. 416-293-0373 She was the loving wife of Peter [email protected] gracecrc.com Beloved husband of Dinie Grevers (nee Ruessink). to whom she was married for Dear Father of: Mary & Al Griffith 55 wonderful and eventful years. Henry Grevers & Nancy Calic Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchil- Grace & Harry Schipper oneBODY dren will also miss her happy presence, special Bernice &Tim Bentum Vacation Rentals smile, playful spirit and generous hospitality. manyGIFTS Ingrid & Bill Los Holiday accomodation in Holland Mary Lou Grevers Nelly & David Riggs, MISSION Tina & Seth (Cayden, Sylas), with vehicle rentals, tours. one Loving opa and great-opa of 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. William & Katelynn (Jessica), Website: chestnutlane.nl Saturday, Elizabeth, Timothy October 19, 2013 Only by God’s grace, the journey of his life, with William & Lorraine Groot, Two Florida Pool Homes for Rent Hamilton District Chr. High, all its joys and challenges, was met and provided Rachel & Diego, 3 bed, 2 bath in beautiful Cape Coral Florida. Ancaster, Ont. through His Strength. For pictures and reasonable rates Peter, Daniel, Miraya Contact DMC at 1-800-730-3490 contact Glen at 519-863-6965 “I lift up my eyes to the hills. Christine & Theodore Martens or e-mail: [email protected] for more information or go to Where does my help come from? Jill, John, Laurie, Karen diaconalministries.com My help comes from the Lord Edward & Diane Groot, The Maker of heaven and earth.” Emily (& Phil), Alison, Dirk, Julia, Mark, Peter L. Fall in Florida and enjoy the extended Summer! and follow the DOE link. Psalm 121:1-2 Michael & Carolyn Groot, Fort Myers, canal home for rent – Register today! Ashley (& Tim), Stacey, Tracey, Carey, Kelley Oct., Nov., Dec. 2013 and April 2014. Correspondence: Dinie Grevers Paul & Leanne Groot, More than 50 workshops Reasonable rates. 28-928 Lorene St. Matthew, Jacob, Ryan, Danielle Call Michael at 905-332-6711 available in a wide range of Woodstock ON N4S 5N8 to make arrangements. ministries. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Psalm 84:4 Classifieds The internment and memorial service were on Friday, September 6, 2013 DEADLINE Christian Courier is published on the at the Covenant Reformed Church. Netherlands Bazaar second and forth Mondays of the month.Deadline Correspondence: 9 Golfdown Dr. Saturday, Oct. 5th, 2013 for each issue is Tues., 13 days prior to publica- Toronto ON M9W 2H4 Thornhill Community Centre, tion date. 7755 Bayview Avenue See christiancourier.ca for rate information. Marketplace 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All family ads can be viewed on our website Auction 7:00-9:00 p.m. SUBMITTING YOUR AD: E-mail – [email protected] at christiancourier.ca. Click on the Family Ads Admission Free For information on the Bazaar, Mail: 2 Aiken St. link on the bottom banner. Features: restaurants with Dutch delicacies, please contact 905-477-1243, St. Catharines ON L2N 1V8 live music, handicrafts, pottery, bake-sale, 416-498-8706 or 416-222-1677. Online: christiancourier.ca and click on the Clas- plants, fresh flowers, books, white-elephants, netherlandsbazaar.com sified link. collector stamps and much more. See p. 18 for Job Opportunities PAGE 18 christian courier

Advertising

Job Opportunites

Classis Hamilton Interim Pastor has a half-time opening for Georgetown CRC, in Georgetown Ontario, Seeking nominees and applicants for Classis Mission is seeking an Interim Pastor. Director We are a caring and supportive congregation of more Executive Director of the CRCNA than 500 members that includes a good mix of all He/She will lead and Responsible for nurturing a shared and vibrant vision for God’s mission lived ages. Georgetown is a small suburban town (pop. assist Classis Hamilton in out through the Christian Reformed Church, in close cooperation with local 40,000) located on the western edge of the Greater pursuing its expressed mission (gospel congregations, classes, and the agencies and institutions of the CRCNA. Toronto Area. renewal of the greater Hamilton region) All nominees and applicants should possess a faithful, vibrant, and its three fold purpose (shared The interim pastor would faithfully preach two services personal Reformed Christian faith marked by spiritual humility ministry, mutual encouragement, and each Sunday (1 Sunday off every six weeks); assist and moral integrity; provide visionary, servant leadership within mutual accountability). us in seeking God’s direction in developing a dynamic the ministries, embracing risk and welcoming challenge. vision and a mission statement for our congregation; For a detailed job description link to the meet regularly with our church executive; and provide He or she will inspire trust and bridge diverse perspectives, following: classishamilton.ca/rulesofpro- pastoral visits for urgent care. and empower and encourage others to do the same. cedure.doc (section 12.3) This is a contract position, expected to last from 6 For more information visit www.crcna.org/EDsearch For more information please contact months to a year. Direct all inquiries to Mr. Loren Veldhuizen Kevin DeRaaf ([email protected]) Interested applicants are invited to send a cover letter Executive Director Search Committee Chair or Mark Vandervliet and resume to [email protected] with the subject line [email protected] ([email protected]). “Interim Pastor”.

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Events/Advertising

Calendar of Events Ontario LONGSTAY HOLIDAYS 2014 Oct 5 Netherlands Bazaar, Thornhill Community Centre, 7755 Bay- Christian Music ALGARVE, PORTUGAL Jan. 28 1599 taxes 421 Assembly view Ave. Free admission. See ad. CANNES, FRANCE Jan. 31 2395 taxes 560 Leendert Kooij, Director Oct 5-6 Maranatha CRC in Belleville, Ont. will celebrate its 60th an- Airfare , 28 nights 1 bedroom apartment and transfers included. niversary with a BBQ and open house, banquet. Celebration service Special guests include: Andre Sunday morning. For details, see ad or contact the church at 613- Knevel, Liselotte Rokyta, Beatrice Other dates available. 962-2062 ext. 200 or email [email protected]. Carpino, Adolfo De Santis, Michael Ciufo, OCMA Vocal Quartet, Toronto Also trips available to Tuscany, Spain, Texas and Arizona. Oct 16 Leendert Kooij and the Ontario Christian Music Assembly Brass Quintet (OCMA), Andre Knevel, Liselotte Rokyta and others will host a Benefit Concert, 7:30 pm at the Hebron Christian Reformed Church, A variety of great Christian music, inspiring gospel songs, Whitby, Ont. For info, contact Rob Datema – rob@lighthousecen- exciting choruses tre.ca or 416-535-6262. Oct 19 Benefit Concert, 7:30 pm at the Georgetown Christian Re- Christian Festival formed Church, Georgetown, Ont. See above event details. Concert Oct 19 Day of Encouragement Hamilton District Christian High, An- Friday, VISION to REALITY caster, Ont. Details online at diaconalministries.com Oct. 25, 2013 Oct 19-20 Willowdale CRC, Toronto, celebrating 50 yrs. See ad p. 17. Our vision of a Christian retirement community 7:30 p.m. within York Region is now becoming a reality Oct 20 Dutch Service will be held in the Ancaster Christian Reformed Roy Thompson Church at 3:00 p.m. Rev. John Breedveld will be preaching. as our infrastructure construction commences Hall, Toronto later this year, Phase I breaks ground in Spring Christian Festival Concert. Toronto. See ad for details. Oct 25 Tickets: $40 $30 $20 2014 with anticipated occupancy Spring 2015. Oct 31-Nov 2 Andreas Center Conference. Dordt College. More info at: Order tickets from: Call 905 591-3491, visit our website and learn how you can dordt.edu/events/conference2013/ Ontario Christian Music Academy retire to a safe, Christian residential haven for seniors. Nov 10 Grace CRC Scarborough, Ont. celebrating 50 years. Former 90 Topcliff Ave members and friends are invited for a celebration service, light Downsview ON M3N 1L8 meadows aurora lunch and program Sunday. See gracecrc.com for updates. Phone: 416-636-9779 www.the of .com Email: [email protected] [email protected] 905 591-3491 Low Interest Rates? York Region Christian Senior Homes Inc.

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ODDS & TRENDS

Church crawl during frosh week OTTAWA – Freshmen events every September typically involve too much te- quila during a tour of the bars on or near campus. But Sid Ypma, the Christian Reformed Chaplain at the University of Ottawa, organized something different this year: a “church crawl” instead of the usual pub circuit. It fit the frosh-week mandate of “get to know your new neigh- bourhood,” with a focus on local church- es rather than bars. IN CONCERT “I think what you want to do is provide options and create opportunities for stu- FEATURING THEIR MODERN HYMNS INCLUDING dents to do different types of things,” said IN CHRIST ALONE Ypma. He’s one of four chaplains to hold THE POWER OF THE CROSS office hours at the University of Ottawa. CHRIST IS RISEN, HE IS RISEN INDEED About 70 students participated in the scavenger-hunt style event, visiting 21 Students interacted with 21 churches, churches of various denominations near including St. Joseph's (above), in an campus. Returning and new students event created by CRC chaplain. joined together to stop at church build- ings “as well as at street-side stations set province in 1963. up by churches too far to reach on foot,” In the wake of frosh week scandals the Ottawa Citizen reported. Students re- across the country in recent weeks – the THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24TH | 7:00PM | HAMILTON, ON ceived snacks for answering trivia ques- sexual assault charges at York in Toronto TICKETS: [email protected] | 519.290.0865 tions about each church along the way. and the offensive chant at Saint Mary’s Ypma points out that the University’s in Halifax – the University of Ottawa’s Presented by & in support of: roots can be traced back to St. Joseph’s first annual Church Crawl is a model that & Church; the school was founded by ob- other universities might want to adopt. www.campfirebiblecamp.ca www.edudeo.com late priests in 1848 and turned over to the – Angela Reitsma Bick

a grants program for worshiping communities vit aworshipl

The Vital Worship Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks to foster vital worship in congregations, parishes, and other worshiping communities in North America. This grants program is especially focused on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship, a theme that can unfold in many facets of worship from Bible reading to preaching to Baptism and Lord’s Supper, intercessory prayer, congregational song, visual arts, and more. We encourage grant proposals developed through a collaborative process from emerging and established churches; seminaries, colleges, and schools; hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations.

worship.calvin.edu/grants Calvin Institute of Christian Worship