NEW HORIZONS in the ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN

7 At Last, a Visit to 21 Graham’s Cheer Up! JULY 2021 South Sudan Life and Ministry of Jack // by David P. Nakhla Miller // by Al Tricarico Ministry in Strange Times by Mark E. Richline // 3 VOLUME 42, NUMBER 6 New Horizons CONTENTS in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Editor: Danny E. Olinger Managing Editor: Judith M. Dinsmore FEATURES Editorial Assistant: Diane L. Olinger 3 Proofreader: Sarah Pederson Ministry in Strange Times Cover Designer: Christopher Tobias By Mark E. Richline Editorial Board: The Committee on Christian Education’s Subcommittee on Serial Publications 5 A Mission Letter from Karamoja © 2021 by The Committee on Christian Education of By H. James Folkerts The Orthodox Presbyterian Church. All rights reserved. 7 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are At Last, a Visit to South Sudan from The ESV® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing By David P. Nakhla ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (We use the 2011 revision.) Articles previously published may be slightly edited. DEPARTMENTS New Horizons (ISSN: 0199-3518) is published monthly except for a combined issue, usually August- 10 September, by the Committee on Christian Education Foreign Missions of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton The Story of Ruslan Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539; tel. 215- 830-0900; fax 215-830-0350. 12 Christian Education Letters to the editor are welcome. They should deal with an issue the magazine has recently addressed. Review: VanDrunen’s Politics after Christendom Their language should be temperate, and they may not charge anyone with an offense. They should be brief, • Favorite and Hymns and they may be condensed by the editor. • Out of the Mouth … Send inquiries, letters to the editor, and other corres- 14 pondence to the editor at [email protected]. Home Missions Send address changes to [email protected]. Allow Year One in Thousand Oaks, California • Church- six weeks for address changes. The digital edition (PDF, ePub, mobi) and an archive of Planting in “Cereal City” previous issues are available at www.opc.org. 16 Views expressed by our writers are not necessarily Stewardship those of the editors or official positions of the 2022 Proposed Foreign Missions Budget Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Copies are distributed free to members and friends 17 of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Nonmembers Prayer Calendar are asked to donate $20.00 for an annual subscription 19 (USD $30.00 if sent to addresses in Canada; $40.00 News, Views, & Reviews elsewhere abroad). A free email PDF subscription is also available. Requests for a subscription should be sent to [email protected] or the address below. Periodicals postage is paid at Willow Grove, PA, and at additional mailing offices.Postmaster: Send address changes to New Horizons in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 N. Easton Road, Bldg. E, Willow Grove, PA 19090-2539.

Redeemer OPC in Danville, Pennsylvania, installed Joshua L. McKamy as associate pastor on May 14, pictured here with his wife, Kristen, and their children Micah (9), Zoey (7), Kalia (5), and Avia (1). Rev. Zach Siggins preached the , Rev. Stephen Payson gave the charge to the congregation, and Rev. John Van Meerbeke gave the charge to the incoming pastor. “It was a joyful evening to reflect on many years of God’s wonderful grace and providence to bring us to Redeemer,” said McKamy.

2 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 MINISTRY IN STRANGE TIMES

MARK E. RICHLINE // Our family had only been back in Mon- tevideo from our brief furlough for about a month. We had just started enjoying worship again with our church family at Iglesia Presbiteriana Salvos por Gracia. Two new visitors came to our ser- vice the second Sunday we were back. Our new audio and video equipment was in place to transmit our closed to all but citizens and residents. contact as much as possible.) We know services better than ever. Our congre- Our congregation of just twenty- that nothing can ever replace personal gation had embraced the session’s 2021 two people is being affected by COVID corporate worship: raising our hearts vision for the church. We were ready to -19 more than before. One of our mem- as one to pray, lifting our voices as one begin meeting for worship twice every bers nearly died and is now undergoing to praise God, and listening as one to Lord’s Day. A church barbecue was intense physical therapy to regain the his Word proclaimed. And to spur one scheduled, and a marriage conference use of his legs and feet. Another of our another on to love and good deeds, we was being planned as an evangelistic members was shaken when her aunt must be meeting together. Yet meeting outreach to couples. died from the virus, and now she and online is still meeting. Building one an- And then, in April 2021, we had to her family have tested positive. A good other up with a Bible verse or a link to do a complete one-eighty turn, closing friend of one of our members just died a Reformed sermon is still building one our doors and moving all our church ac- from the virus. One family came down another up. tivities back online. with symptoms but now appears to be Pastoring Online and In-Person doing well. A husband and wife in our Resurgence of COVID-19 in congregation are grieving the death of Being back online has required me Uruguay their former pastor from COVID. I to become a “digital pastor.” I am re- As our Uruguayan friends like to have received a flood of prayer requests minded of Paul’s profound love for the put it, “the coronavirus here se complica for friends or relatives of our members that drove his ministry: todo.” The situation has become much who have tested positive. For though I am free from all, I have more serious over the past few months. Moving back online was a difficult made myself a servant to all, that I Positive cases have increased dramati- decision as our leadership had to weigh might win more of them . . . To the cally. Hospital ICUs are filled to over- the society’s heightened sensitivity to weak I became weak, that I might flowing, and a number of doctors have COVID-19—along with our congre- win the weak. I have become all died from the virus even as the overall gation’s growing nervousness—against things to all people, that by all means death rate continues to rise. Schools the obvious damage affecting our com- I might save some. I do it all for the have gone back to virtual classes. munion as one body of . (Most sake of , that I may share Churches have reverted to online ac- of our families must take the bus to with them in its blessings. (1 Cor. tivities. The Uruguayan borders remain church and want to avoid close personal 9:19, 22–23)

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 3 To a pandemic-weary congrega- suicide, believers blessing one another, visit to our church, he already wanted tion, I have made myself a digitally and how to view the Apocrypha. to become a member! I keep this group diligent shepherd. There are numerous Shepherding people online also updated with church news and devo- challenges to face. For one, I do not like requires me to keep a pastoral eye on tionals as well as PowerPoint presen- interacting online. I am more of a people our various WhatsApp groups. While tations that they can review if desired person than a tech person. I only start- encouraging members to participate, I before each class. ed using a smartphone because my kids also remain aware as to how they par- Our monthly men’s book study bought one for me. Now I find myself ticipate. At times, we all leave messages started at the beginning of 2020 and being the one not only motivating my- without realizing how we sound. Other then was forced to move online because self but also motivating others to put times posted music or messages may of COVID-19. Despite that, most of aside their personal preferences and, contain teaching that’s not in line with our men attend and, at times, bring instead of withdrawing from all inter- our church’s doctrine. At such times, friends. We now meet twice monthly action, engage others online and pre- our ruling elder and I intervene, try- to review a chapter of A. W. Pink’s The serve the unity of our church. ing to make the most of these oppor- Attributes of God. Thankfully, those who Then there are the technical dif- tunities to instruct and encourage our take turns leading are unhindered by ficulties: being unable to hear others, members. the online challenges. wondering whether they hear you, Now that our Reformed seminary having to repeat yourself, losing con- classes are online, the Romans study nections, hearing your own voice echo, has been my best-attended class yet, etc. Last Sunday, just as I was warming with nine students. Though the diffi- up and getting excited in my sermon, culties of online instruction are always my son had to interrupt me because palpable, we have grown comfortable the video for our YouTube channel had interacting with one another. Once I stopped recording. How exactly was I master Zoom’s breakout rooms, I will supposed to pick up where I had left be able to make the class more inter- off with the same passion? esting! I am still working out details Yet, for the time being, I am happy for teaching a homiletics course online to be a pastor who must communicate next semester. online. Thankfully, long before the pan- In 2020, Iglesia Presbiteriana Salvos por Gra- While I am adjusting to online demic, our congregation was connected cia distributed food bags to needy neighbors teaching and pastoring, I still need to through a WhatsApp chat group, and consider effective strategies for online this made for an easier transition. Two evangelism. At this point, evangelistic or three times a week, I post Reformed activities remain planned for when we Our Church’s Activities devotionals on the church’s chat group. meet again in person. Meanwhile, dur- I often record myself reading from We recently initiated Apoyándo- ing the week, I sit outside the church Charles Spurgeon. Brief messages on nos en Cristo (Leaning on Christ), a at our book table to engage passersby. the subjects of marriage and wisdom ministry designed to mutually support When doing follow-up with online also form part of my repertoire. I hope one another while we are not meet- visitors, I hope to determine if more to begin including devotionals focused ing in person. Our session grouped than one are located in the same area on God’s daily grace. each brother with another brother, and and then meet with them about start- As much as possible, I minister each sister with another sister, for one ing a group Bible study in their neigh- in person—whether by visiting with month. We asked them to especially fo- borhood. members outside their homes or by cus on that person, praying for him or As 2021 continues to unfold, we building relationships with visitors as I her and sharing prayer requests. Scrip- rest in our Lord’s sovereign plans for meet with them in the park next to our ture verses, , songs, and other his church. We pray that he would keep church. I also block out time daily to videos were also suggested forms of us at Iglesia Presbiteriana Salvos por interact online with our members and support. Each month, the pairs are re- Gracia growing as one body in Christ, learn how to be praying for them. Hav- arranged to promote greater interaction that we would grow to appreciate the ing a small church allows me to keep in within the body. tremendous value of personal commu- touch weekly with every member and Our new membership class meets nion, and that he would soon reunite us visitor. Lately, we have been engaging as a WhatsApp group. One of our par- in person. online in good discussions on subjects ticipants had begun attending services such as infant , Roman Catho- through our YouTube channel. By the The author is an OP missionary evangelist lic baptism, Christians who commit time he made his very first in-person in Montevideo, Uruguay.

4 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 A MISSION LETTER FROM KARAMOJA

H. JAMES FOLKERTS // Our family of nine has been serving in Karamoja, Uganda, for a year and a half now. Time passes quickly here for us. Not a day goes by without a new lesson or a challeng- ing experience, many of which we never dreamed of. At times, the intensity of daily life leaves little time for processing these events.

This past week, for example, we Lord for his protection! challenges and adventures of mission- heard that one of our compound guards ary life, we have to ask: what is the real The Real Story of the Missionary had suddenly become sick and tragi- story of the missionary? It’s not about cally died and that his body needed Daily life is intense; it is also non- the deadly snakes, although that was an to be picked up from the hospital and stop with routine obligations such experience I won’t quickly forget. The brought to his village. Since we were as , discipleship and real story is about telling people about several hours away in Kampala for a training, evangelism, conferences, Christ through suffering and difficult meeting, I asked another team mem- homeschooling, and supply runs on situations. ber to pick up the body with a mission bad roads. It’s a story to be read not just by vehicle. I received a call later that he But in writing about the daily those who are far away from the mis- hadn’t passed away—yet. He did die a sion field, but also those who are on few days later, and mission members it. Think of Dr. Luke and the second collected his body and held a funeral. installment of his “mission letter” to We arrived in his village the day of his Theophilus, otherwise known as the death, just able to be there for the last book of Acts. Addressed to a single part of the funeral. So, in the past week, “God-Lover,” it is Scripture for us all we have had three funerals of people to read and be fed by. Consider what it close to the life of the mission. Such was like for members of the churches suffering and loss are all too common of Asia Minor when the book was first here. We grieve for the brokenness of read to them; what must it have been this world and for the pain and loss like for them to hear this account of that their families are enduring. their churches and themselves?

For another example, a few days A venomous green mamba Our writing is subject to human ago, I was mowing and almost stepped on the grounds of the mission limitations, but God is the great com- on a large, deadly snake. Praise the municator. In communicating with us,

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 5 he, too, wrote about the stories of peo- you to live in such harmony with one In Need of Christ and His Word ple, of missionaries and the expansion another, in accord with Christ Jesus, So how is Karamoja? It is in need of his Word, of joys and sorrows, vic- that together you may with one voice of Christ, in need of his living Word, tories and defeats, sin and repentance. glorify the God and Father of our and so are we missionaries. We remem- He wrote of himself, of his work in us. Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 15:4–6) ber the words of Paul that one person He communicated himself to us. What Paul wants to encourage people planted, another watered, but God gave a “mission letter” the Holy Scripture with God and with all of his Word. the increase. Over the years, there has is! What a good news story! It is the In the next chapter, he mentions by been much planting and much water- story of power in Christ to challenge name specific people. Like you and me, ing here, sometimes in tears. We con- and change us and our story—forever. they each had a story, a newsletter they tinue to plant and water, and we look to Every story, law, parable, song, could write, a tale of where Christ had God to give that increase. Only he can proverb, miracle, vision, letter, and met them, how he had changed them, change people’s stories in his Son, Jesus prophecy given to us was perfectly ap- and how he had called them to offer up Christ. Only he can make people here propriate, perfectly placed, without their lives as living sacrifices. worshipers of him, even as he has made fault, given with divine purpose, a di- Notice that after explaining the you and I, and men and women through vine portioning of grammar and syn- rich doctrines of grace in the letter to the centuries, worshipers of him. tax. Isn’t it a blessing? the Romans, missionary Paul says that We give thanks for God’s rich Instructing and Encouraging Our Scripture instructs and encourages our communication with us—for his Word. Hope hope. How often do we as believers What an encouragement it is to give hunger for encouragement, for endur- to people around us. We give thanks Our God thinks so. Paul thought ance, and for hope and harmony, but for stories of people being changed by so as well. then gloss over God’s communication the gospel—even when their faith is as Consider the concluding words to us? How often do we feed others but small as a mustard seed. We give thanks of the missionary Paul to the Romans. fail to enjoy the rich nourishing por- for men and women who have a re- Keep in mind the rich gospel he has tions of Scripture for ourselves? How newed interest in studying God’s Word already communicated in the previous often are we content with scriptural and learning to pray. We are learning fourteen chapters. Then, in chapter 15, sound bites and testimonies of others, endurance, learning where to find our he writes: but neglect “all Scripture” and what it encouragement and hope, and above all For whatever was written in former is useful for? There is no substitute for learning about Christ and his mission. days was written for our instruction, God’s Word to us, whether we are well- that through endurance and through weathered missionaries, pastors, or pa- the encouragement of the Scriptures rishioners. Biblical hope gives us re- The author is a missionary evangelist we might have hope. May the God of newed endurance and encouragement (URCNA) laboring with the Uganda endurance and encouragement grant in that pilgrimage we’ve been called to. Mission in Nakaale, Karamoja, Uganda.

Young men from the Karamoja ministry team, including Boston, a Malawian graduate from Folkerts leading Sunday worship Africa Theological Seminary, who Two participants in a memorization while Louse John Bosco translates is doing an internship with the mission program reciting Proverbs 19

6 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 AT LAST, A VISIT TO SOUTH SUDAN

DAVID P. NAKHLA // This spring, after some years of waiting, the OPC was able to visit members of a sister denomination in South Sudan: the Sudanese Reformed Church. Their country has been riddled with violence. In 2011, following years of conflict with the northern part of Sudan, whose people are mainly Sudanese Arab and predominantly Muslim, the Afri- OPC is also a member. The SRC holds of circumstances—it is well-document- can and predominantly Christian peo- to the Reformed doctrinal statements ed that foreign assistance to Africa has ple of the southern part of Sudan voted known as the Three Forms of Unity. done a great deal of harm. We are al- overwhelmingly in support of indepen- In 2014, the Sudanese Reformed ways asking the question: How do we dence, officially becoming the Republic Church submitted a request to the help without hurting? of South Sudan. ICRC’s diaconal committee that ICRC To make it more difficult, the But less than three years later, member churches be encouraged to SRC’s 2014 request came to a newly South Sudan entered its own civil war, contribute to their ministry of mercy in minted diaconal committee that was this time mostly along tribal lines—the the IDP camps. Many SRC members just trying to figure out which way Dinka versus the Nuer. Because the are displaced: as of 2017, the denomi- was up. The ICRC had established and president and the government were nation had six thousand members with elected it only one year earlier, in 2013. mostly Dinka, the Nuer were under only sixteen congregations but eighteen This committee of five (of which I am threat of massacre. Millions sought groups within IDP camps. one) represented four different conti- asylum in the neighboring coun- nents and had almost no connection The Challenges of Providing tries of Uganda, Ethiopia, and Sudan, prior to serving together. Diaconal Assistance while many others hid under the shel- We on the OPC’s Committee on ter of United Nations peacekeepers When the request came in 2014, Diaconal Ministries (CDM) always who placed these Internally Displaced the SRC was not well known to our de- seek to minister mercy where there is People (IDPs) into camps sprinkled nomination. It had been a member of also the opportunity to pair the min- throughout South Sudan. ICRC for only a little over a year. Pro- istry of mercy with the ministry of the Among those taking shelter in the viding diaconal assistance to those of Word. Many of the places in the world IDP camps were members of the Suda- whom we know very little, particularly where diaconal assistance is sent are nese Reformed Church (SRC). where the language, culture, and cus- places where the OPC has a relation- The SRC, which started in Khar- toms are so different from ours, is quite ship via its Committee on Foreign Mis- toum in 1992, is a Reformed denomi- challenging. There are huge knowledge sions or its Committee on Ecumenicity nation that, in 2013, was welcomed into gaps. Large sums of money going to and Church Relations. Neither of these the International Conference of Re- places where money is scarce has the were established with the SRC when formed Churches (ICRC), of which the potential to do damage, even in the best their request came in 2014.

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 7 When evaluating requests, we also endeavor to gauge the ability of the re- questing organization to properly over- see the administration of the diaconal ministry. Will the requestor actually be able to carry out the ministry that it is proposing? Will it succeed in purchas- ing and distributing the food or sup- plies that it intends to purchase? We knew an in-person visit would help to answer these important ques- tions. But in 2014, a visit to South Su- dan seemed neither practical nor pos- SRC pastor Patrick Jok and Charles Jackson at the IDP camp sible. While it can be heartbreaking to jor cities. The only paved highway in providence, the timing worked out per- come to such a conclusion, saying no to South Sudan runs from its capital city fectly. OP missionary James Folkerts, a request requires that we trust the Lord of Juba, over Juba’s only bridge across who has previous experience minister- to provide for his children by another the White Nile (which splits the city), ing to both the Dinka and Nuer ethnic means he has determined. We also and south to the Ugandan border. It groups, also joined. trusted that, if it was his will, the Lord then continues through Uganda and Currently, South Sudan is con- would provide an opportunity to come Kenya to the seaport city of Mombasa, sidered a dangerous place by the US alongside these brothers and sisters. Kenya, on the Indian Ocean. This is the State Department, and Americans are After 2014, our relationship with land route by which most supplies are discouraged from traveling there due the SRC began to grow. The Rever- trucked into Juba. to “crime, kidnapping, and armed con- end Patrick Jok attended the General It just so happens that Mbale, flict.” We learned that most of the dan- Conference of the ICRC in Ontario, Uganda, is along this road. On the edge ger is during nighttime hours. So, like Canada, in 2017, and then he attend- of Mbale lies the Knox School of Theol- the locals, we were careful not to travel ed a missions meeting of the ICRC in ogy, established by the OP Uganda Mis- after 5 p.m. We were encouraged to re- Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, in 2018. sion as a place to train up indigenous main behind the safety of the gate and Since those meetings, when he got to ministers. Charles Jackson, OP mis- walls of the camp in which we stayed, know the OPC better, and we grew in sionary evangelist to Uganda and head- on the bank of the White Nile River. our appreciation for him, it has been master at Knox, wants to see the school During our visit, we never felt threat- my prayer that I might be able to visit used by other Reformed churches in the ened in any way when out and about in South Sudan on behalf of the CDM. neighboring countries in East Africa. Juba during daytime hours. In God’s providence, I was finally Jackson recently hired one of his top able to make that visit in March 2021! Believers of Bethel Sudanese students, a South Sudanese man named Reformed Church A Visit to South Sudan Okuch Ojullo, to serve as a teacher at Knox. Together, they devised a plan to To reach Bethel Sudanese Re- South Sudan is located just north visit South Sudan to explore the possi- formed Church, which Patrick Jok of Uganda. It’s a rugged country with bility of South Sudanese candidates for serves as pastor, we headed to the out- very little infrastructure outside its ma- ministry traveling the Juba-Mombasa skirts of town and down a dusty dirt highway to come road. From the outside, there is not study at Knox. much to see beyond a cheap, simply Knowing of constructed building of wooden poles the longtime in- and tin sheets. But inside, the wor- terest of the CDM ship is vibrant, and love exudes from to visit South Su- God’s people. Anticipating our arrival, dan firsthand and the ladies of the church put together a assess the needs feast fit for a wedding. They presented of its internally us with an incredible spread and treat- displaced people, ed us as honored guests. They even Jackson invited gave each of us a gift, a handcrafted Worship at Bethel, on the outskirts of South Sudan’s capital, Juba me to join their necklace with a cross attached. team. In God’s We were encouraged to learn that,

8 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 despite the strong ethnic division in the bled, are ripe for sickness and disease. country, Bethel SRC has twenty-one And yet, the church members were different tribes represented in its small eager to bring us into their homes and congregation. What a beautiful picture to show us, among their few posses- of the type of reconciliation the gospel sions, their children’s school books that can bring! they have used to keep their education We were also blessed to visit one going during this period of waiting. of the two IDP camps located on the (Forty-six percent of South Sudan’s outskirts of Juba. At its entrance, we population is under fourteen years old, were warmly welcomed by believers of but schools are scarce.) the Nuer tribe (easily When we en- identified by the tribal tered the home of scarring on their fore- one member of the heads) with whom church, he said to us An elder in the SRC and his we sang, prayed, and through a transla- wife, who are refugees, outside fellowshiped in their tor: “Welcome, this is their home in an IDP camp tarp-covered, make- your house. Today you shift church building. are now family. What have been displaced from our original We then snaked you do is more than homes. Life is very hard here, but the through the helter- [give] money, because good thing is that Jesus Christ is with skelter array of tem- if you see someone, us. All the things of this earth will fin- porary structures to it is better. See the ish, but Christ will never finish. We the place one church Serving a feast at Bethel SRC children? They want have been living here for the last eight member has called to see you. ‘Where years. When it rains, we have hard home for the last do these men come times. These plastic sheets leak. We eight years. The trails between the tents from?’ they ask. We tell them, ‘They have water from above and also from are so tight that one has to step aside come from Jesus Christ.’” the flooding of the area. But we are to let another pass. It felt like we were This man then told us that, thanks thankful for God. It is not my problem rats in a maze. Having seen the dirty la- to the generous contributions of a alone. Everyone in this camp is affect- trines located on the uphill side of the sponsor, his son is currently studying ed, especially when there is rain. Please, camp and observed the overflow “river- at Mukhanyo Theological College in what we want to request from you is bed” that ran through the middle of the South Africa and that they look forward prayer that we have peace in South Su- camp, we were particularly disturbed to to when he might return and serve the dan.” find ourselves steppingdown into the church in South Sudan. This was one Prayer for Our Brothers and homes of each member, trying not to means of hope for the future, as they and Sisters in South Sudan picture what this scene must look like most of their tribe wait for peace. when the rainy season comes. It is no Another man, an elder in the con- Will you join me in committing to wonder that these camps, hastily assem- gregation, shared this with us: “We pray for peace in South Sudan, for the sake of our brothers and sisters there? And, I am happy to report that, having visited and gained confidence in the ministry carried out on the ground, the CDM, with the concurrence of the Committee on Foreign Missions, has made an initial gift from its Refugee Relief Fund to the Sudanese Reformed Church for the benefit of those suffer- ing in the IDP camps in South Sudan. We pray for increased fellowship and ministry between the OPC and SRC in the years ahead. At the end of 2020, about 1.4 million people in South Sudan (out of a popula- tion of 11 million) were living in displacement as a result of conflict and violence, The author is administrator for the Com- according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre. mittee on Diaconal Ministries.

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 9 FOREIGN MISSIONS

THE STORY OF RUSLAN

// HEERO E. C. HACQUEBORD Ruslan and others being accepted as communicant members in January 2020

Catholic Church. Nevertheless, their daily lives displayed a true faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and King. When s the pastor goes, often so goes the church. But what if his grandfather died, twelve-year-old Ruslan started at- there is no pastor? tending church more often. He had a strong desire to know AHoly Reformed Church of L’viv was formed in God—who he is and what true faith is. At the same time, he 2012 with twelve founding members. While half of those had many questions: If you are forgiven during , were mature men with some leadership potential, only two then what happens when you sin again? Must one also stop are now currently active in the church. And none of the men sinning to have complete forgiveness? The Greek Catholic who have joined the church since then sense a call to the Church could not give Ruslan any relief from his sense of pastoral ministry. Except for Ruslan. guilt before a holy God. Ruslan did not feel the Almighty’s One of the key goals of church planting is to raise up fu- presence in his life. There was no relationship. ture church leaders. This challenge is especially important in When Ruslan was eighteen and studying engineering in the context of foreign missions, where the missionary team’s L’viv, a friend strongly encouraged him to come to an inter- role in the church is temporary. It is essential for local men, view night for our annual English camp in the Carpathian women, and children to develop into Sunday school teachers, Mountains. To his great surprise, Ruslan was invited to at- youth leaders, women’s ministry leaders, Bible study teach- tend the camp. In spite of this, he did not want to attend. ers, , elders, and pastors. But where does one get such Between studying and working, he had a lot to do. Even while leaders in a society where people did not have the benefit of sitting on the bus filled with excited students on the way to growing up in a healthy, biblical church with godly models of the English camp, Ruslan was filled with doubts. He wasn’t in leadership? A society where people don’t have a sense of what search of more friends and was afraid that he was just wasting church should be, much less how it should be led? his precious time. It is rare in Ukraine to find a man who has the necessary Over the course of the camp, though, Ruslan slowly gifts, motivation, and opportunity opened up as staff members made to develop a call to pastoral min- an effort to get to know him. The istry. But the Lord seems to have daily English Bible lessons were provided Ruslan with all of this. something totally new. Over the course of the week, he came to un- Relief from Guilt derstand and appreciate the gospel Because of his parents’ di- about complete forgiveness for all vorce and his father’s abandon- our past, present, and future of- ment of their family, Ruslan was fenses through the immaculate raised by his grandparents. They life, death, and were staunch Greek Catholics, the Christ. But he did not yet trust in predominant church in Western Jesus of Nazareth as his Savior and The Carpathian Mountains as seen from the Ukraine that uses the Orthodox location of the Leopolis English Camp Lord. but is part of the Roman After camp, Ruslan returned

10 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 to his regular routine. He kept very busy That fall he attended a new members’ with his studies and working two jobs. In- class, but only to learn more about our deed, he had become the main breadwin- congregation. After six weeks of meet- ner for his mother, aunt, and brother. He ings, however, Ruslan was ready to join hoped that his more promising job would our church. He finally became a member develop into a career. at the beginning of 2020. Six months after the camp, Ruslan Yet the process of becoming part of was invited to attend Leopolis, our stu- our church has also come with difficulties. dent organization. He started attending Back in his village, the is spread- large groups meetings and a weekly Bible ing false rumors about Ruslan and telling study led by one of our missionary team people that he has joined a sect. Members members. Over the course of a month, of his extended family are treating him as Ruslan finally came to have true faith in a pariah. His mother is concerned about Jesus Christ. When the job in which he these rumors, but—in spite of her love for had been putting his hope did not pan the Greek —she knows out, he realized that he had gained a bet- Ruslan grilling at a youth picnic that they are not true. Her son has not ter, lasting hope. Ruslan had come to know turned his back on his family. God as his heavenly Father, whose love for Much to the contrary: Ruslan’s strong him knows no measure or end. desire is to proclaim the gospel and see many people like him come to rest in God’s unconditional grace. He trusts that, The Many Challenges of Leaving the Greek Catholic through his current seminary studies and internship with our Church college ministry, God will shape him further to become a lov- Joining a Christian student organization is one thing; ing, caring, and wise pastor in the Lord’s church. joining a Protestant church is quite another. Ruslan had a It has been wonderful to behold God’s work in Rus- desire to attend our church and was invited to do so often, lan’s sensitive heart over the past three years. The church in but he wasn’t sure that he could just leave his Greek Catho- Ukraine needs godly men called to be pastors. Please pray lic congregation and attend another church—even though with us that God will strengthen Ruslan through many trials he constantly saw contradictions between the Bible and the and bless the church in L’viv and Ukraine through men like church of his heritage. Besides, he wanted to work within him! his church to change it. When he finally did come to one of our services, Ruslan was struck by how understandable ev- The author is an Orthodox Presbyterian missionary laboring with erything was and how much Scripture was in the liturgy. He Mission to the World (Presbyterian Church in America) in L’viv, began attending our services more often and became increas- Ukraine. ingly dissatisfied with his family’s church. In 2019, Ruslan attended his second English camp—this time as a volunteer leader. He loved seeing God working in students’ hearts, slowly opening them to his grace. He loved What’s New being a part of that process, as he talked to fellow students about faith. He returned home with much joy in his heart. // Comings/Goings God was using him to bring others to faith! After much prayer, counsel, and reflection,Rev. and Mrs. David J. (Rashel) Robbins, on furlough in the States with their four children, Joshua, Emmalene, Hannah, and Moru William, concluded that the Lord appears to be closing the door to their further mis- sionary service in South Karamoja, Uganda, where David has labored as a missionary evangelist since 2016. They have resigned from missionary service as of July 2021, and David is seeking a call to labor as a pastor in the United States. Rev. Dr. and Mrs. L. Charles (Connie) Jackson returned to the United States from their labors in Mbale, Uganda, in April 2021 for Charles to receive much-needed surgery. They plan to return to the field Ruslan teaching on the Canons of Dort when their medical leave has concluded. at a new members’ class in April

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REVIEW: VANDRUNEN’S POLITICS AFTER CHRISTENDOM // ALAN D. STRANGE From the cover of Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured World

the righteous and the wicked, are subject to the same systems, including the same government. At the same time, this com- avid VanDrunen’s book is a capstone to his natural law/ mon life is one for which all are accountable and for which two kingdom project: a political theology developed out everyone will be judged. Dof his understanding of the Noahic covenant. In typical fash- The lives of all together, then, saved and lost, are part of ion, VanDrunen’s latest, Politics after Christendom: Political The- a system that is legitimate and common. A day is coming, ology in a Fractured World, is clear and thorough. He leaves no however, when the sheep and goats will be separated, so this significant areas having to do with his topic untouched, and he legitimate and common life that they now experience is not seeks fairly to represent both those with whom he differs and eternal but provisional and will come to an end. That such a the criticism that they level against his writings. life is now common does not mean, though, that it is neutral The book is divided into two basic parts: “Political The- and unaccountable. On that great day just referenced, every- ology” and “Political Ethics.” The first part, in six chapters, one will give an account of their lives in terms that make clear treats VanDrunen’s view of the state of things, particularly in personal moral responsibility and accountability. our post-Christendom culture, which he rightly refers to as a VanDrunen sees these pairs (legitimate but provisional, “fractured world.” The second part, in another six chapters, sets common but accountable) as emerging from the Noahic cov- forth how the principles of the first part apply in our world. enant, which is a covenant verifying a common realm in which VanDrunen sets forth in “Political Theology” that all civil common grace is at play. He sees this as true not only in the society, which includes its government but is not limited to it, but in the New: the redemption promised in bears two pairs of characteristics that define it: legitimate, but the covenant of grace (since Gen. 3:15) does not change the provisional; common, but accountable. This means that civil nature of this relationship between a common kingdom that society, in its economic, legal, and other public dimensions, is emerges from the Noahic covenant and the spiritual kingdom something that is legitimate. Government, of whatever sort, is of grace, manifesting in the visible church, that is part of the necessary, and thus legitimate, something gracious, saving covenant that God has given by God for the ordering of with the elect. VanDrunen, then, reads society, over against anarchy of varying Romans 13 and its allied New Testa- sorts. However, in contrast to theories of ment passages through the lens formed government in absolutized forms on the by the common kingdom concerns and right or left, civil society is provisional, not approach of the Noahic covenant. One ultimate, and will give way in the coming of the strengths of this work is that the consummation of all things to the eternal breathless, highly politicized atmosphere kingdom that shall never perish. in which we all live in the West, includ- Further, civil society as established ing the United States, while recognized among mankind is common, which is to by VanDrunen, does not infect this work, say that it encompasses all here below, not which enjoys a thoughtful and becalmed David VanDrunen, professor at simply the godly or those members of the Westminster Seminary California approach. visible church. All in any given region, In the second half of the book,

12 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 “Political Ethics,” VanDrunen spells out the implications and consequences of his common kingdom approach. First, he ad- Favorite Psalms and Hymns dresses pluralism and religious liberty: as a consequence of the Trinity Hymnal no. 347 common kingdom being just that—common—he argues that this implies that civil society, certainly the state as part of that, “There Is a Green Hill Far Away” does not properly enjoin religious conformity of any sort, but D. G. Hart its citizens should enjoy religious liberty and the freedom to Hymns were never far from J. Gresham Machen’s embrace various philosophies and viewpoints as long as that thoughts. In 1933, when the Presbyterian Church USA pro- is done within the bounds of law. In the next chapter, he ar- duced a new hymnal, he wrote a lengthy review of it (Selected gues that all families and commerce are part of this common Shorter Writings, 274). Thiswas a time when the controversy kingdom and that they carry on their lives at least in light of over foreign missions was at its most intense. Thatyear was the Noahic covenant and natural law. I could go into detail also the fourth for Westminster Seminary, a fledgling in- under each of the sections that follow (“Justice and Rights,” stitution that drew upon Machen’s fame as much as it de- “Customs and Laws,” “Authority and Resistance”), but space pended on his leadership. No one would have faulted Ma- prohibits. I do find this second part of the book to be espe- chen had he been silent about the new hymnal. But he was cially useful. not. “The ‘doctrine note in hymns’ is indeed ‘almost miss- One of the most frequent criticisms of VanDrunen’s ap- ing’ in many of the hymns added,” Machen observed. That proach is that it accounts for proper distinctions that need to meant that “the Christian note is almost missing” from the be made between the provisional and the eternal (or other new hymnal (276). ways of putting the necessary distinctions between this world The link between doctrine and and the coming one) but tends to separate the two. This leads, hymnody was evident in Machen’s some say, to diversity but not unity, many-ness but not oneness regard for “There Is A Green Hill (37–44). VanDrunen acknowledges this criticism and seeks to Far Away.” In What Is Faith? Ma- address it in a measure (77–78). Whether he successfully does chen used “There Is A Green Hill so is debatable. For example, chapter 8 on the “Family and Far Away,” a children’s hymn from Commerce” treats Christians and non-Christians similarly. 1848 by Cecil Frances Alexander While non-Christians, together with Christians, certainly (wife of the of the Church participate in the creation ordinances of family and labor of Ireland), to explain a simple Cecil Frances Alexander (Sabbath rest as the third creation ordinance produces its own point of doctrine. Machen pointed conundrum that I do not think this approach ever surmounts), to the relation between faith and non-Christians do not experience these realities as substan- works in the hymn’s fifth stanza: “and trust in his redeem- tively as do Christians. ing blood, and try his works to do.” For Machen, that was VanDrunen’s approach in its theory seems to suffer from a “the true order of Christian pedagogy”—trust before works. lack of points of integration in which the kingdoms overlap. I Christ’s redeeming work is the basis for sanctification. say “in its theory” because in its outworking, as the second part This was Machen’s favorite hymn, along with “When of his book manifests, I do find points of integration, though I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” Both hymns reflected the perhaps not in all areas—for example, as mentioned above, in nature of Machen’s piety, which in turn displayed the im- marriage and family. I am encouraged, however, because I find portance of hymns for his devotion. VanDrunen open to bettering his theory and practice, having done so over the course of addressing his subject matter, which remains, after all, one of the most controverted areas among Christians of similar confessional commitments. Out of the Mouth . . . My four-year-old granddaughter, Stacy, was dom- The author is an OP minister and professor at Mid-America Re- formed Seminary. inating a tricycle during a family picnic. Attempt- ing to teach a lesson in courtesy, I told her that Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a Fractured “we share.” Somewhat reluctantly, she complied. World, by David VanDrunen. Zondervan Academic, 2020. Just a few minutes later, my Pepsi was pulled out Paperback, 400 pages, $20.00. of my hand. It was Stacy, who simply told me, “we share!” Congratulations —Rollin Keller Lakewood, CA The Shorter has been recited by: Note: If you have an example of the humorous “wisdom” that can • Lucy Kunda, Faith OPC, Grants Pass, OR come from children, please send it to the editor.

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 13 HOME MISSIONS

YEAR ONE IN THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA // CALEB M. SMITH Thousand Oaks Presbyterian Church began with an outdoor Bible study on the book of Romans

a variety of connections from church, family, and friends, we began a Sunday evening study going through the book of Ro- os Angeles airport was empty and eerie when my family mans. Our format was simple: we set up our lawn chairs as arrived on June 1, 2020. Having just said goodbye to the we greeted each other, we sang a hymn or two, we shared a Lcongregation we love, Calvary OPC in Glenside, Pennsylva- few things that we were thankful to the Lord for, and then we nia, we were looking forward to a new opportunity. We were launched into the book of Romans. excited that the Presbytery of Southern California was deter- Gathering each week around God’s Word characterized mined, despite COVID-19, to begin an exploratory work in our group. We slowly began getting to know each other; the the city of Thousand Oaks, California, and that they had asked children developed friendships and the adults enjoyed fellow- me to serve as an evangelist to the area. ship with like-minded Christians. The desire for a Sunday This new opportunity was a very natural fit. For my wife, worship service grew. it was a return to her hometown. And we had been praying for Meeting at the Community Center over ten years that the Lord would establish an OPC On Sunday morning, November 22, we gathered for our in this area. But there were first public worship service in the parking lot of the North also lots of questions. Per- Ranch Community Center with the saints from Covenant of haps most significantly: how Grace in Oxnard, California, joining us. Mark Mueller led could we possibly expect to portions of the service. I preached on “How to Get Thanks- successfully begin work in giving Wrong” from Jesus’s parable of the Pharisee and the tax the midst of a global pan- collector in Luke 18, and then David Crum administered the demic? Lord’s Supper. As we look back over God’s people were gathering around God’s Word, and his the past year, we remember Word in the hands of the Spirit was doing all the work to the words of Proverbs 16:9: Caleb and Erika Smith with establish the church. By the end of February 2021, the pres- “The heart of man plans his sons Oliver and Joel bytery had supplied us with a talented overseeing session and way, but the Lord establish- approved our group as a new mission work of the OPC. We es his steps.” What a won- are delighted to have the privilege to gather each Lord’s Day derful promise this is! We made many plans. We sought the for worship. counsel of many advisers. We read books on church planting. Looking Back In this way, we tried to reduce as many risks as possible. But even so, we have the deeper assurance that it is the Lord who Many great things happened this first year at Thousand establishes our steps. Oaks Presbyterian Church, but we also faced difficulties. We endured the mask/no mask debates, cried together over per- Meeting at the Park sonal tragedies, braved meeting outdoors in both extreme heat In June we unpacked our belongings, and on July 5 we and penetrating cold, and weathered political debates and un- began a Bible study at the Conejo Community Park. With certain times.

14 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 But even amid those and other trials, there are many rea- tario, through its Church Extension Committee, wants to be sons to give thanks. We were refined, a new work was offi- a part of the harvest in Calhoun County. Having previously cially begun in the Conejo Valley, the Lord has provided a served at a mission work in northern Michigan and then on wonderful facility to meet in, and we are bonding as a group. the mission field in Uruguay, I was tasked with assembling a Because of COVID, we have even met families that we oth- core group in Battle Creek. erwise wouldn’t have. Through it all, the Lord ministered his Finding a Core Group in Battle Creek grace through his Word. And in those respects and more, we can all say that this has been a wonderful year. How to find people for the core group? Key elements As we study the pages of sacred Scripture, we are re- include building a strong internet presence, advertising— minded week by week that “God so loved the world, that he especially through Facebook—networking, evangelizing, and gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not relationship-building. I have also been getting to know area perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). At Thousand Oaks pastors. I volunteer at a Christian skate park ministry and the Presbyterian Church we will continue to gather around that local pregnancy care center. The mall provides unhindered op- precious Word. Please pray that the Lord would establish this portunities for survey evangelism. And just before COVID, new mission work! we held a conference on depression which attracted seventy people. A second mini-conference on race relations is being The author is church-planting pastor at Thousand Oaks Presbyte- planned for this fall. rian Church in Thousand Oaks, California. One of our outreach’s strategic elements is referrals, or personal contacts. If you know anyone in Battle Creek who CHURCH-PLANTING IN may be interested in our core group, please don’t hesitate to contact me at the email address below. “CEREAL CITY” Prayer for the Future Markus G. Jeromin Referrals are important. But prayer is the most important element in the work. The hat do Seventh Day , a Apostle Paul was keenly aware of how much sprawling health spa, the invention the success of his labors depended on the ofW breakfast cereal, and a new OP church- prayers of God’s people (see 2 Cor. 1:11, Rom. planting ministry have in common? An- 15:30, and 2 Thess. 3:1). Would you please help swer: Battle Creek, Michigan. With a metro us by your prayers? population of now over 135,000, the city of Please pray for God to bless our weekly Battle Creek had just under 2,000 when Bible studies. Pray especially that more Battle Adventism arrived in the 1850s. Four de- “Skate church”: Bible study Creek locals would attend. Pray that new con- cades later, brothers Will and John Kellogg at a Christian skate park tacts who have expressed interest would attend. were operating the famous Battle Creek Please pray that the survey evangelism, the Sanitarium on Adventist principles. Their Facebook outreaches, a mailing to World magazine subscrib- quest to provide patients with a light, healthy, and grain-based ers, summer outreaches, and the coming mini-conference, breakfast food led to the invention of modern breakfast cereal. would bear much fruit. The huge success of the Sanitarium and the explosion of the Ask the Lord to bless my meetings as a fatherhood ad- cereal industry caused the city to prosper and grow. visor at the crisis pregnancy center. Pray also that riders at Recent decades have seen the region—largely blue- the skate park would attend the Ask a Pastor sessions I am collar—struggle economically. At the same time, its spiritual offering, and that efforts to connect with their parents would neediness has become more evident. Only a handful of Cal- succeed. Lastly, please pray that I would be able to make con- vinistic churches may be found here, and there has never been nections with business owners, civic leaders, and area pastors a NAPARC congregation. who would partner with us in getting the word out. America’s Cereal City presents an exciting church- Thank you so much for your partnership in this gospel planting opportunity. The Presbytery of Michigan and On- outreach. It is most appreciated! I can be reached at 269-808- 4287. If desired, sign up for prayer updates at jeromin.1@opc. org or learn more about our efforts at www.graceandpeace- Home Missions Today battlecreek.org. You can also connect via www.facebook.com/ For up-to-date news and prayer requests, GraceandPeaceBattleCreek. receive our newsletter by emailing [email protected]. New The author is a church-planting evangelist in Battle Creek, Michi- editions: July 7 & 21. gan.

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 15 STEWARDSHIP

Westerveld Jr., as he labors to build up congregations of the 2022 PROPOSED Reformed Church of Quebec. Uganda ($756,466): Supports two missionary evangelists, funding for two more that are urgently needed, and a diaconal FOREIGN facilities engineer, as the Orthodox Presbyterian Uganda Mis- sion operates the Knox School of Theology, the Reformation Book Room, Akisyon a Yesu Presbyterian Clinic, the Timothy MISSIONS Discipleship Program, Karamoja Education Outreach, and assists the Presbyterian Church of Uganda in church plant- BUDGET ing and leadership training. This is Foreign Mission’s largest mission. Ukraine ($36,000): Contributes to the support of mis- sionary evangelist Heero Hacquebord, who is laboring with the PCA Mission to the World team in Ukraine, planting Reformed churches. hen you give to Worldwide Outreach, about 46 percent Uruguay ($130,032): Supports the labors of missionary of each undesignated gift will be used by the Commit- evangelist Mark Richline and assists with the operating ex- teeW on Foreign Missions. How will it be used to advance the penses of the church plant in Montevideo. missionary efforts of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church? New Field/Missionary ($96,000): A placeholder in the budget to allow for the addition of another missionary on one Program Services of our fields (perhaps Haiti or Uruguay). Proposed 2022 budget: $1,606,438 Other Program Services ($136,400): Sup- Asia ($246,112): Supports the ports the work of short-term missions work of two missionaries, who and interns, the Mobile Theologi- continue to labor under diffi- cal Mentoring Corps, training for cult circumstances. missionary candidates, furlough East Africa ($20,000): vehicle maintenance, and ben- Supports the work of the efits to retired missionaries. persecuted Reformed Supporting Services congregation planted by OPC missionaries over Proposed 2022 budget: twenty years ago. $514,299 Ethiopia ($51,300): Provides for our gen- Supports the work of eral secretaries, an adminis- part-time missionary trative assistant, and an office evangelist Anthony Cur- secretary, as well as for the ad- to and provides assistance ministrative support of our mis- to the Ethiopian Reformed sionaries, including promotional Presbyterian Church. materials. ( Just as the OPC does Haiti ($117,972): Supports not require its foreign missionaries to the labors of missionary evangelist raise their own support, it also doesn’t re- Benjamin Hopp on the island of La Gonâve quire them to cover their associated administra- and Port-au-Prince (where he joins Octavius Delfils tive or promotional expenses.) It also provides for other [PCA] in planting a Reformed congregation in that capital operating expenses including committee meetings, rent, audit, city). and printing and publication of promotional materials. Kenya ($2,400): Contributes to the running costs of the Thank you for your generous giving to Worldwide Out- Muruu Trinity Bible Institute, which was started by OPC reach, which supports the Committee on Foreign Missions missionaries over twenty years ago. and its missionaries as they spread the gospel of our Lord Je- Quebec ($13,756): Contributes to the support of Bernard sus Christ.

16 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 PRAYER CALENDAR JULY

Pray for Foreign Missions general secretary Mark Bube 6 and associate general sec- retary Douglas Clawson as The Knoxes they report to GA this week. / The Van Essendelfts Ben & Heather Hopp, Haiti (on furlough). Pray for safe travels to the Midwest and to GA. Missionary associates Dr. Jim & Mark & Carla Van Essendelft, Jenny Knox, Mbale, Uganda. Matthew & Lois Cotta, Pasa- 11 Nakaale, Uganda. Pray for church 1 Pray for strength in caring for Joy dena, CA. Pray that God would members to grow in desire to Hospice patients. / Pray for those 7 bless Pasadena Presbyterian’s serve one another. / Pray for Pat OPC camps and conferences Chinese language outreach and Clawson, MTIOPC coordinator, meeting amid changing COVID ministry. / Mark Lowrey, interim as summer classes prepare for regulations. executive director of Great intensive sessions in August. Commission Publications. Bradney & Eileen Lopez, Arroyo, Brad (Cinnamon) Peppo, region- 2 PR. Pray that the Lord would 12 al home missionary of the Miami provide a new worship space. / OPC office managerAnnelisa Valley for the Presbytery of Ohio. Pray for the work of stated clerk Studley and Christian Education / Active duty military chaplains Hank Belfield during General 8 office secretaryAbby Harting. Joshua (Stephanie) Jackson, US Assembly next week in Sioux / Summer interns Vince (Eri) Army, and Cornelius (Deidre) Center, IA. Lam at Providence Presbyterian Johnson, US Navy. in Pflugerville, TX, andDustin Charles & Connie Jackson, (Emily) Karzen at Providence Home Missions general secre- Mbale, Uganda. Pray for the Presbyterian in Temecula, CA. tary John Shaw. / Associate mis- 3 African professors at Knox dur- 13 sionaries Christopher & Chloe ing Charles’s absence. / Larry & Associate missionaries Octa- Verdick, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray Kalynn Oldaker, Sandusky, OH. vius & Marie Delfils, Haiti. Pray for progress in issues affecting Pray for discipleship and assimi- 9 for the saints in Haiti enduring the clinic staff housing renova- lation efforts at Firelands Grace. political insecurity and econom- tion. ic hardship. / Summer intern Andrew Davis at Covenant Pray for , , Thousand Lacy (Debbie) Andrews Presbyterian in Vandalia, OH. Caleb & Erika Smith regional home missionary for Oaks, CA. Pray God would pro- 4 the Presbytery of the Southeast. 14 vide Thousand Oaks Presbyte- / Heero & Anya Hacquebord, rian many opportunities to share L’viv, Ukraine. Pray for the stu- Ron & Carol Beabout, Mif- the gospel in its community. / dent English camp on July 4–10 10 flintown, PA. Pray that new Kerri Ann Cruse, video and and for good follow-up from it. advertising efforts will help social media coordinator. Grace and Truth’s outreach. / Affiliated missionariesJerry & Mike & Naomi Schout, Zeeland, Marilyn Farnik, Czech Republic Assoc. missionary Angela 5 MI. Pray for gratitude, humility, (on furlough). Pray for traveling 15 Voskuil, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray and faithfulness as Grace Fellow- mercies as they visit churches in for KEO teacher discipleship and ship settles into its new facility. / the western US. / Summer intern Bible classes in the local schools. Pray for Danny Olinger, general Christian (Jolene) McArthur / David (Jane) Crum, regional secretary of Christian Education, at Covenant OPC in Tucson, AZ. home missionary for the Presby- as he directs the intern program. tery of Southern California.

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 17 PRAYER CALENDAR JULY

Missionary associate Joanna Grove, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray 21 for the Karimojong women as they learn to share their faith with their neighbors. / Pray for the staff of New Horizons and Ordained Servant.

The Paschalls The Jeromins Ben & Melanie Westerveld, Quebec, Canada. Pray for an 22 ingathering of the saints as the Tyler & Natalie Detrick, Dayton, church returns to more normal Markus & Sharon Jeromin, OH. Pray that God would bless services. / Melisa McGinnis, fi- Battle Creek, MI. Pray for God’s 16 First Street Reformed’s ESL out- nancial controller, and Charlene 27 blessing on efforts in evange- reach and plans for a new wor- Tipton, database administrator lism and networking. / Mr. and ship location. / Yearlong intern Mrs. M., Asia. Pray for the Lord’s Nate (Katie) Paschall at Christ Home Missions administrative will and their encouragement the King in Naples, FL. assistant Katharine Olinger. through the visa process. 23 / Please pray for the deacons Miller & Stephanie Ansell, of the OPC as they connect Mr. and Mrs. F., Asia (on fur- Waco, TX. Praise the Lord that with one another and develop lough). Pray that the Lord would 17 Trinity Presbyterian particularized deeper relationships following 28 save and bring more men into earlier this year! / Pray for assoc. last month’s virtual CDM event. the Reformed churches in Asia. / missionary Leah Hopp, Nakaale, Pray for Disaster Response staff Uganda, and outreach through David Nakhla, Trish Duggan, the community health team. Mark & Jeni Richline, Monte- and Sarah Klazinga. video, Uruguay. Ask the Lord to 24 raise up officers. / Summer in- Micah & Eileen Bickford, Farm- terns Nathaniel (Emma) Vroom Pray for affil. missionariesCraig 18 ington, ME. Pray for five new at Resurrection in Matthews, NC, 29 & Ree Coulbourne, Japan, and families to join the congregation. and Caleb Maltby at South Aus- their church-planting with Shin / Assoc. missionaries James & Es- tin Presbyterian in Austin, TX. Urayasu Grace Church. / Kevin & ther Folkerts, Nakaale, Uganda. Rachel Medcalf, Cumming, GA. Pray for the Karamoja ministry Pray that God would use Provi- team and its village outreach. Home Missions associate gen- dence to make disciples. eral secretary Al Tricarico. / 25 Yearlong interns Isaac (Masha) Tentmaking missionary Tina Baugh at Covenant OPC in Ken- Stephen Pribble, senior techni- DeJong, Nakaale, Uganda. Pray newick, WA, and Ben (Cherie) 30 cal associate for OPC.org. / Sum- 19 for her further acquisition of the Franks at Ketoctin Covenant in mer interns Nathaniel (Sarah) Karimojong language. / Chris Purcellville, VA. Crofutt at Redemption OPC Byrd, Westfield, NJ. Pray for in Gainesville, FL, and William God’s Spirit to direct and em- (Samantha) Stevens at Trinity power Grace’s gospel witness. Pray for retired missionaries Cal Church in Syosset, NY. & Edie Cummings, Brian & Doro- 26 thy Wingard, Greet Rietkerk, and Andrew & Rebekah Canavan, Young & Mary Lou Son. / Sum- Affiliated missionariesDr. Mark Corona, CA. Pray that Corona mer interns Nate (Amy) Jeffries & Laura Ambrose, Cambodia. 20 Presbyterian would joyfully share at Calvary OPC in Glenside, PA, 31 / Calvin & Connie Keller, the gospel and worship the and Samuelis (Milda) Lukosius Winston-Salem, NC. Pray for living God. / Pray for the Com- at Presbyterian Church of Cape Harvest’s leadership training and mittee on Diaconal Ministries as Cod in West Barnstable, MA. its building committee. they plan for a new podcast.

18 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS

LEITÃO INSTALLED AT LISBON

On May 28, 2021, Mr. Derrick Leitão was ordained by the Presbytery of New York and New England and installed as pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lisbon, New York. Reverend James La Belle of the Pres- byterian Church of Cape Cod in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, preached from Colossians 1:25 on “The Dignity of Gos- pel Ministers” and gave the charge to the minister. Reverend Thomas Trouwborst of Calvary OPC in Schenectady, New York, gave the charge to the congrega- tion, and Reverend Daniel Patterson of Second Parish OPC in Portland, Maine, presented the warrant and nature of the At the and installation of Leitão: Leslie “Skip” Putney, James La office and led in prayer. Belle, Michael Shingler, Daniel Patterson, Wayne Moore, Derrick Leitão, Dean Grace Presbyterian Church, located in Moore, Harley Lowry, Andrew Selle, Kevin Kisler, Thomas Trouwborst the St. Lawrence Valley in northern New York, was established in 1958, and Mr. Leitão is the congregation’s eighth pastor. a time in his retirement as stated supply Mr. Leitão, originally from Providence, in Hughson, California, at an OP mission UPDATE Rhode Island, is a graduate of Westmin- work. ster Theological Seminary, Glenside, Sal grew up in Monterey, California, CHURCHES Pennsylvania, with a Master of Divinity. where he was student body president at • On May 1, the Presbytery of Philadel- Monterey Peninsula College. He trans- IN MEMORIAM: SALVADOR SOLIS phia dissolved Pocono OPC in Reeders, ferred to San José State College in 1950 PA. Donald Jamieson with a major in education, and the next The beloved pastor Salvador Solis passed year he was elected president of the Inter- MINISTERS into glory on May 21, 2021, at ninety Varsity Christian Fellowship group on • On May 1, the Presbytery of Philadel- years old. The Scriptures declare, “For to campus. During that year, a small group phia dissolved the pastoral relationship me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” of young men including Sal became ac- between Thomas A. Foh and Pocono (Phil. 1:21). Our brother has departed life quainted with the Reformed faith, and OPC in Reeders, PA, upon Foh’s retire- here on earth and is now enjoying great that led Sal to Westminster Seminary and ment. gain—his heavenly re- the ministry. He served ward in the presence of for many years on the • On May 14, Joshua L. McKamy was our God and heavenly Home Missions Com- installed as associate pastor of Redeemer Father. mittee of the Presbytery OPC in Danville, PA. McKamy previ- We are all the richer of Northern California ously served as associate pastor of Living because of the life and and Nevada and was in- Hope OPC in Gettysburg, PA. ministry of Pastor Sal to volved in the start of sev- • On May 21, the Presbytery of Ohio a number of Orthodox eral churches. concurred with the request to accept the Presbyterian churches, Sal is survived by his resignation of Alan J. Dueck and dissolve including in Waterloo, wife of sixty-eight years, the pastoral relationship between him and Iowa; Eagle Rock (Los Amy MacArthur, two the congregation of Grace Presbyterian in Angeles), California; sisters, two sons, three Columbus, OH. San Francisco, Califor- daughters, fifteen grand- nia; and Sunnyvale, Cali- Salvador Solis (1930–2021) children, and nine great- • On May 28, Derrick Leitão was or- fornia. He also served for grandchildren. dained as a minister and installed as pastor

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 19 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued of Grace Presbyterian in Lisbon, NY. tackles common challenges to never contradict one another” (Christianity MILESTONES by using references and concepts accessi- Today, Dec. 1930). Arguably the most dif- ble to young adults. Why do we believe in ficult problem in terms of defending the • Retired OPC pastor Salvador M. Solis, miracles? How can Calvinist particularism faith is answering the “problem of evil.” 90, died on May 21. He served churches be just? How can a good God allow for Simply put, it can be stated as follows: If in CA and IA. evil and suffering? While Kruger writes God is wholly good (omni-benevolent) for college-aged students, the winsome and wholly sovereign (omnipotent), how • Bertha Hunt Kinnaird, 86, died on and approachable apologetics of Surviving can he allow evil in his world? June 2, after sustaining injuries in a car ac- Religion 101 could also serve parents and Scott Christensen advances a version cident. Bertha was married to John Kin- youth leaders as a guide for complicated of the “greater good” theodicy, which he naird, previously an OP elder and mod- conversations. calls a “greater glory” defense: “God’s glory erator of the Fifty-Fourth (1981) general Kruger devotes the latter half of his is magnified not merely when greater glo- assembly. Her parents were OPC foreign book to combatting scientific and historical ries are compared to lesser ones, but espe- missionaries Bruce and Katharine Hunt. -critical accusations against the Bible. For cially when it is seen against the polarizing example, he addresses questions about the backdrop of its opposite—moral and nat- REVIEWS significance of textual ural evil. Therefore, evil is in a unique posi- variants and seeming contradictions in the tion to magnify the glory of God” (296). Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Gospels. Kruger is consistent throughout Here is a tome that must be read with Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in that the secularist’s intellectual a thinking cap firmly fixed to one’s nog- College, by Michael J. Kruger. issue with Christianity is really gin. Christensen summarizes and analyzes Crossway, 2021. Paperback, a heart issue. various philosophical approaches with 272 pages, $15.29 (Amazon). Kruger’s book doesn’t an- aplomb, but he rightly insists that phi- Reviewed by OP member swer every question, but it re- losophy be treated as part of the support- Katharine Olinger. minds students who are in over ing cast in theological inquiry. The main Surviving Religion 101 ad- their heads that there are an- source to be acknowledged and studied is dresses fifteen questions swers out there, that the other the inspired text and storyline of Scrip- young believers are likely to side needs to support its own ture, culminating in and centered upon the ask or be asked when studying claims, and that the Lord and death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of at a secular university. Author his Word are trustworthy and God. Michael J. Kruger, president true. Today, the training and There are several strengths of this book. and professor at Reformed professional advancement op- Firstly, there is a robust interaction with Theological Seminary in Charlotte, North portunities offered by schools like UNC the narrative of the Bible, which through- Carolina, writes to his daughter, who at- are unparalleled—especially for young out records God dealing with and defeat- tends University of North Carolina at people working in STEM (like Kruger’s ing evil, without being complicit in any Chapel Hill—walking the same halls her daughter). But is it worth the risk for way in evil. The Lord overcomes evil with father did. Kruger explains how a chal- young believers? Another book might good. Christensen also cuts off at the pass lenging college experience of his own— ask whether it’s right for Christians to any who want to climb through the escape taking UNC’s “Introduction to the New study at institutions that deny Christ’s hatch of “libertarian free will”: “the plain Testament” course—first fostered his in- lordship. Kruger’s concern is simply that reading of Scripture indicates that God terest in biblically faithful New Testament young people be prepared, proactive, and meticulously decrees and presides over ev- studies. Although the book’s title refers to encouraged as they enter hostile territory. ery event that unfolds within his creation, mere survival, Kruger’s aim is to show that Christ is Lord over every square inch of including the choices that his creatures Christianity “is not just intellectually de- creation—whether your Religion 101 pro- make” (91). fensible but also intellectually satisfying at fessor agrees or not. Secondly, What about Evil? is full of in- sightful quotes and distillations of lines of the deepest of levels” (24). What about Evil? A Defense of God’s argumentation from other solid Christian Some essays in the book, like “My Sovereign Glory, by Scott Christensen. writers (including many Reformed think- Professors Are Really Smart—Isn’t It P&R, 2020. Hardcover, 576 pages, ers) past and present. Clearly the author More Likely That They’re Right and I’m $30.00. Reviewed by OP pastor Ken B. sees himself as building upon the work of Wrong?” and “I Have Gay Friends Who Montgomery. Are Kind, Wonderful, and Happy—Are others, and not starting from scratch. The We Sure That Homosexuality Is Really , one of the founding will find the “for further reading” Wrong?” are immediately and personally members of the faculty of Westminster and study questions at the end of each relevant to today’s college student. (Even Theological Seminary, advised his stu- chapter very useful in pursuing a deeper though I attended a Christian college, I dents, “Do not shirk the difficult prob- dive into the material that is covered. asked some of these same questions, as did lems, but seek to bring the facts to light, Thirdly, Christensen understands my classmates.) In other essays, Kruger for God’s Word and God’s world will that he is writing in the context of what

20 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

Charles Taylor has termed “a secular age.” Christensen is keen to show that a gen- eration that is regularly confronted with USPS Delivery Delays horrendous instances of evil at the same The United States Postal System’s delivery of New Horizons has time lacks the basic categories to process been delayed in some areas. If your issue does not arrive by the pain and suffering because of the “triumph tenth of the month and you would like a copy, please contact of the therapeutic” (as described by Philip Rieff ). In a nice turn of phrase, he writes, Abby Harting at [email protected] or 215-830-0900. “we have gerrymandered the world as if designed for our own insipid gratification chapters begin with the same two words. and his faith while praying, exposed my and no longer for God’s glory” (45). In Cheer Up!, PCA minister Michael own prayerlessness. I am grateful for that. I want to close with what I see as a few A. Graham ably reviews Jack’s life from Jack loved the world. Graham tells the weaknesses of this work. For one, What his beginnings in southwest Oregon to story of World Harvest Mission (now about Evil? is very answer-heavy, and the his death in Málaga, Spain, in the spring Serge) and its service to the people of impression is given that even the asking of 1996. He recounts Jack’s Ireland, the Netherlands, and of certain questions regarding evil shows a upbringing, conversion, edu- Uganda. As a former OPC lack of faith. Here cation, calling to teach and missionary to Uganda, I feel spending more preach, and engagement in the debt I owe to one whom time in and with domestic church planting the Lord used to reap a har- the Psalms would and overseas missions. As vest of souls in a needy place in my estimation expected, he also explains the that I called home for a de- be wise, for the Sonship course that emerged cade. I loved reading about suffering psalmist from Jack’s study of Galatians familiar names and places. asks, for example, and became so influential Other signature aspects in a trustful and in the church. Graham’s is a of Jack’s life—the practice yet troubled way, sympathetic treatment of Jack of hospitality, the role of the “Why, O Lord, Miller. He is a fan. So am I. Spirit in the Christian life, praying for a do you stand If you want to learn about Jack’s wayward daughter—are worthy of inter- far away? Why do you hide yourself in unique ministry profile, including his life est and found inside these pages. times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). And the trials and the mild disputes surrounding Forty years have passed since I first met other issue is that while some treatment his work, you will discover them in Cheer Jack Miller. I didn’t know him well, but I is given to the book of Job (the biblical Up! Those who know more about the con- gained much from him during the brief book that seems to address the “problem troversies than I do can decide if they are time I worshiped where he served as pas- of evil” more than any other), there is not fairly treated by Graham. I do feel quali- tor in Abington, Pennsylvania, and from a substantial explication of it, particularly fied to share how Jack’s ministry helped his books. I am grateful to him and to Mi- in the interchanges between Job and his me and how reading Cheer Up! reinforced chael Graham for telling us about him. “friends.” God’s appearance in the whirl- the lessons I received from hearing him wind at the end of Job among many things Being the Bad Guys: How to Live for Jesus preach and reading his books. shows the limits of human quests to de- in a World That Says You Shouldn’t, by Ste- Jack practiced repentance. I read his fend God’s ways. phen McAlpine. The Good Book Com- th Century Man book Repentance and 20 pany, 2021. Paperback, 144 pages, $11.39 Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack in 1981. I had been a Christian for about (Amazon). Reviewed by OP minister Miller, by Michael A. Graham. P&R, five years and never thought much about Larry E. Wilson. 2020. Paperback, 256 pages, $18.50. repentance as a lifelong duty for the be- Reviewed by OP minister Albert J. Tri- liever. It is just that lesson I came to learn We’re used to seeing serious Christians carico. from reading the book. Cheer Up! explains as “the good guys.” It shocks us to realize that our society now largely sees us as “the Anyone familiar with C. John Miller will the lesson well and tells Jack’s story of bad guys”—particularly when it comes to immediately understand the title of his how he learned it himself. It also recounts issues of sexuality (think LGBTQ+). Re- biography, Cheer Up! The Life and Minis- the discomfort felt by some when Jack cent academic tomes helpfully trace what try of Jack Miller. “Jack,” as he was known, asked penetrating questions like, “What has brought us to this point in Western knew how to communicate hard realities have you repented of today?” society (for example, The Rise and Triumph in ways that magnify the grace of Christ Jack loved to pray. He treasured his of the Modern Self by ). Now and bring healing and joy to needy souls. friendship with Christ, his assurance that Stephen McAlpine—an Australian pastor The best-known example is the title of God always welcomed him, and the invi- and former journalist—has written Being chapter two: “Cheer Up! You Are Far tation to boldly ask for the desires of his the Bad Guys to face this matter on the Worse Than You Think.” The other five heart. Reading about his habits of prayer,

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 21 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued popular level. He’s a good writer. At less with and to learn many things we’re un- Beale does a fantastic job of high- than 150 pages, it’s an easy read. comfortable with. lighting the themes of theological irony McAlpine points out how today’s vi- Being the Bad Guys is not long enough present in a variety of biblical passages. sion of human flourishing not only rejects to develop these suggestions in detail. But In fact, I found that discovering the per- the Christian gospel, it seeks it is long enough to serve as a vasive presence of irony in Scripture was to replace it with itself. This needed wake-up call and to give one of the book’s main benefits. Even new “gospel” proclaims that hope that, even if we are utterly the most seasoned students of Scripture meaning, purpose, and iden- routed in this culture war, King should be able to discover new insights tity are found within—and Jesus has already won the vic- into the mind and plan of God as Beale that sex and gender are at tory that really counts. He gives helps them to appreciate the various ways the heart of identity. This his followers a more lasting, life- God’s orderly rule features the element of new “gospel” promises love, giving identity than anything irony. happiness, and utopia. Many the world can ever offer. Those Beale offers two chapters on retributive find its vision compelling. who are willing to take up their irony, three on restorative irony, and one So, Christians are increas- crosses and follow Jesus outside on the irony of eschatology. In nearly every ingly deemed to be not just the camp, bearing the disgrace chapter, Beale does more than expertly ex- wrong, but downright evil—standing op- he bore, will shine all the brighter as the posit irony in the text of Scripture for the posed to love, happiness, and utopia. God’s world gets darker. renewal of our minds; he also applies his people feel increasing social pressure as This book applies sound doctrine to a exposition to the heart, which is the entire we’re alternately wooed, scolded, and pe- pressing need. It can prime the pump for focus of his concluding chapter. nalized. consequential discussion among church Beale’s exposition often deals with How should we respond? By trying leaders, adult Sunday school classes, or portions of Scripture that are illustrative to politically overpower those who op- small groups. by their nature as narratives (e.g., the ac- pose us? By trying to give in as much as counts of Joseph, Haman and Mordecai, Redemptive Reversals and the Ironic we can? By trying to sneak away and hole David and Absalom). However, Beale Overturning of Human Wisdom, G. K. up to protect ourselves? McAlpine points adds his own illustrations throughout, Beale. Crossway, 2019. Paperback, 208 out Scriptural and practical problems with ranging from the presidency of Richard pages, $14.14 (Amazon). Reviewed by each of these options. He suggests an al- Nixon to The Road Runner Show to the OP pastor Robert T. Holda. ternate, positive way forward. Pointing to life of Paul Anderson, the world’s stron- various Scriptures, he contends that we Redemptive Reversals is an excellently gest man. Beale’s illustrations are all quite should embrace our “bad guy” status. We written exposition of the biblical theme effective, but my favorite illustration of should make the most of our new situation that God orders the affairs of his human irony comes from Andrew A. White, one as a huge—albeit painful—opportunity to creatures with a noteworthy dose of irony. of Beale’s former students. In the forward, demonstrate the hope of the true gospel. This book is part of the Short which White wrote for Beale, McAlpine suggests some general con- Studies in Biblical Theology he shares his own testimony tours of what that might look like. These series, the goal of which is “to of irony, “that God uses weak- are more than mere cosmetic adjust- connect the resurgence of bib- ness to produce strength and ments. “As Western cultures fracture into lical theology at the academic thus accomplish his gracious toxic tribalism,” he writes, “it’s crucial for level with everyday believers rule” (18), by sharing the way churches to form deep, thick communi- . . . in a way that requires no in which the Lord unexpect- ties, based around more than convenience” prerequisite theological train- edly used him in his weakness (99). This calls us to follow Christ in ways ing of the reader” (19). G. K. to help effect a revival in a we find hard to imagine. It calls us to Beale’s Redemptive Reversals Khmer Rouge refugee camp deeper, longer-range commitment to fel- certainly fits the bill. on the Thailand/Cambodia low Christians and local churches, through Beale’s basic definition border in 1980. thick and thin. It calls us to show deeper, of irony is “the saying of something or G. K. Beale is well known more Christlike love to those who despise the doing of something that implies its for his masterful treatment of biblical and abuse us—especially, to put ourselves opposite.” He helpfully categorizes the theology generally, and here that mastery into positions to bring gospel mercy to Lord’s ironic interventions with two is put to good use for the benefit of the those broken by and cast out of the new types of theological irony: retributive church. Although the book was not writ- “utopia.” It exposes a key obstacle—how irony, “whereby God punishes people by ten for use in a group study, as it lacks dis- can we display a genuine alternative to the very means of their own sin,” and re- cussion or reflection questions, the appli- deep-seated individualism if we’re in its demptive irony, “whereby the faithful ap- cation portions could be useful for group thrall ourselves? We, the people of God, pear to be cursed, but as they persevere in discussion. I highly recommend this book need radical grace and deep repentance faith, they are really in the midst of being as a source of biblical edification for be- to unlearn many things we’re comfortable blessed” (21). lievers of all stripes.

22 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

The Promise: The Amazing Story of Our the rock he has just struck is especially ture. But, with twenty-four-hour access Long-Awaited Savior, written by Jason gripping, as is the prophet Nathan tower- to a constant stream of information, Helopoulos and illustrated by Rommel ing over a guilty David. Turning page af- aren’t we reading more than ever? Yes and Ruiz. Crossway, 2021. Hardback, 64 ter page teaches the reader the weariness no, they tell us: People are reading a great pages, $15.99. Reviewed by managing of waiting for one without sin—and the deal of information, especially online, editor Judith Dinsmore. joy of arriving at last in Bethlehem. but they are not reading quality material Although other faces are and they are not reading well (16). Ryken This picture-book, easy depicted, in a cartoony style, and Mathes recommend reading physical to read aloud in one sit- Jesus’s face is not depicted. books, believing that “online reading does ting, begins with creation In fact, the snake-crushing not allow time for analytical thought” and sketches redemptive figure you can see on the (22) and screens do not provide the kind history, fixing on key Old cover is repeated inside the of “transport” (73) that book readers ex- Testament figures—Noah, book’s pages and is the only perience as they take leave of their or- Abraham, Moses, Joshua, depiction of Christ. That, dinary world and arrive in an imaginary Sampson, Saul, David, and however, did not stop my one. Eli—and their inability to three-year-old from im- The authors encourage us to take steps save us, they being but types mediately pointing at this to recover the lost art of reading and they of the One who can and who did. shadowy figure, which emanates power, give us advice, based on years of experi- Like his fellow PCA pastor Kevin and asking, “Is that Jesus?” ence in teaching and writing, on how to DeYoung, who wrote the children’s book do this generally and with specific at- The Biggest Story, author Jason Helopoulos Recovering the Lost Art of Reading: A tention to the genres of poetry, novels, partnered with an illustrator able to trans- Quest for the True, the Good, and the fantasies, children’s books, creative non- form a well-phrased but simple presenta- Beautiful, by Leland Ryken and Glenda fiction, and the Bible as literature. The tion of Christian truth into a gorgeous Faye Mathes. Crossway, 2021. Paper- PSAs of my childhood emphasized that and layered tale that draws the reader, back, 304 pages, $21.99. Reviewed by “reading is FUNdamental.” And Ryken but especially the child being read to, OP member Diane L. Olinger. and Mathes agree. They want us to read into its pages. Illustrator Rommel Ruiz’s because it is a delight, not just a duty. art repeats themes from page to page that A frequent public service announcement “What does reading literature offer us? adults will quickly pick up on, though during my 1970s childhood told us that It offers us meaningful leisure at con- they are not brought out in the text: “reading is fundamental.” That would templative, intellectual, imaginative, and mountains, walls, light and dark, the color also be a good summary of this book. In spiritual levels. As a total package, read- red, and even walking staffs. Most strik- the context of our digital age, Ryken and ing literature is impossible to surpass as a ing is an undulating, often-golden line Mathes argue for the importance of read- recreational activity” (78). that flows from the top of the page down, ing literature as a key part of becoming I find that I agree with most of what signifying the motion of God toward his a good person and a good Christian, or people, from creation to the mighty works maybe it’s better to say of his chosen men, to Christ’s arrival in a well-educated person the manger, to Christ’s crucifixion. The and a mature Christian. Position Available line appears in the clouds, in smoke, and The authors base their in abstract design, until finally it cleverly argument about the Pastor: Providence OPC is an established culminates as a timeline to link each type importance of litera- congregation in Madison, Wisconsin—a in a chain that leads, of course, to Christ ture on the Bible itself: vibrant university town with many recre- himself. This line’s motion is mirrored in “We know God wants ational and cultural opportunities. We seek the red snake in the garden of Eden whose us to have literature in a praying, Scripture-loving pastor who body runs defiantly from the bottom of our lives because he has is enthusiastic about the Reformed faith. the page upward. Only on the cross does revealed himself to the Healthy organizational and counseling human race in a book the snake at last lie limp. skills would further bless Providence. If you that is primarily literary Books about the heroes of the Bible are interested in the challenge of a multi- in nature . . . The very abound. This picture-book differs in its generational congregation from a variety of example of the Bible es- apt description of each hero’s strength but faith backgrounds and in ministering to our tablishes the necessity of also each hero’s sin. No child will walk Chinese-speaking members alongside our literature in a Christian’s away thinking these Old Testament fig- new Chinese Ministries Coordinator, please ures are in the Bible merely as models for life” (64). Ryken and Mathes send your resume to: right conduct. The repetition of failure be- [email protected]. comes almost heavy to read. The illustra- lament the societal de- tion of Moses leaning in despair against cline in reading litera-

NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021 / 23 NEWS, VIEWS, & REVIEWS Continued

Ryken and Mathes assert in this book land with the gospel. Who was Thomas and often put together only on Saturdays about reading. And, I’ve heard myself Chalmers? Though virtually unknown to- and without much thought. But then he make similar arguments to reluctant, day, Chalmers was renowned as one of the was converted, and his ambitions turned younger readers, though I’m not sure I’ve greatest preachers and orators of Scotland to make Christ great in the eyes of his done so convincingly. It is hard to convince whose sympathies turned to improving people. From the moment he saw that sal- a digital native with quick, easy access to the social conditions that resulted from vation was not a matter of mere morality a vast amount of Scottish industrialization. He knew from but of regeneration, his forceful preaching knowledge that personal experience, however, that moral of the gospel became a means of bringing he “inhabits a tiny change could only come about through many to faith in Jesus. A sermon worth world” because he lives transformed by Christ. Chalmers’s noting is his “The Expulsive Power of a rarely reads litera- great vision, evangelical passion, and tire- New Affection.” ture (36, quoting less energy renovated Scotland so that Finlayson provides a good and clear Dickens). It’s hard Karl Marx even named him as the “arch summary of Chalmers’s influence as he to convince him parson.” traced the span of his ministry from ru- that reading is an Sandy Finlayson’s wee biography gives ral Scotland to his ministry in urban unparalleled rec- a brief but excellent sketch of this man Glasgow and then as Professor of Moral reational activity whom Thomas Carlyle called “the chief Philosophy at St. Andrews University. His when he has You- Scotsman of his age” (from whence came influence was so profound that when he Tube, or that literature provides a trans- the title of the book). Finlayson’s biogra- walked out of the 1843 General Assembly port from mundane preoccupations that phy is both engaging and in- of the Church of Scotland to video games do not. I don’t think these structive. He tells the story of form the Free Church, it is of arguments are aided by eternalizing older this great man with wonderful little surprise that one third of technologies, like the printing press and fluidity. The 152 pages of the the ministers went with him. the book, though God has certainly used book read very quickly. With His influence crossed the At- them mightily. But I do think there is an each page turned, the reader’s lantic and the theologians of opening to discuss what is in danger of understanding of the impor- Princeton Seminary deeply being lost when we shun reading, and why tance of this man will grow. appreciated him. this might matter particularly to Chris- This biography will cause the It is sad that Chalmers is tians. In Recovering the Lost Art of Read- reader to deeply respect the hardly appreciated, let alone ing, Ryken and Mathes have provided us man and to the love the gospel even heard of, today. I believe a useful guide as we do so. he lived for. Finlayson’s book will help rec- Finlayson clearly admires the great tify that. It is hard to capture the full scope Chief Scottish Man: The Life and Ministry Scot, yet he rehearses his life without be- of Chalmers’s genius, but here is a book of Thomas Chalmers, by Sandy Finlayson. ing hagiographic. Indeed, he tells how that at least begins to show how powerful Evangelical Press, 2021. Paperback, 176 Chalmers was a man of great pride and the gospel can be in a person’s life. In the pages, $11.99. Reviewed by OP pastor ambition. His faults are examined in the context of this biography, the reader will Michael L. Babcock. book as a way of reminding us that even be encouraged by topics on mercy minis- The housing scheme in which my wife giants need a Savior. tries, church planting, shepherding strate- grew up has a church named Chalmers Chalmers entered the ministry for gies, separation of church and state, and Parish Church. It was built in the nine- a comfortable employment but found pastoral leadership. Indeed, I believe this teenth century as part of Thomas Chalm- preaching to be a distraction from his will inspire even American pastors to be ers’s (1780–1847) vision to reach the poor real passion, which was mathematics. His more effective in their roles as shepherds and uneducated working classes of Scot- sermons in the early days were moralistic of Christ’s flock.

24 / NEW HORIZONS / JULY 2021