VOLUME 33/3 APRIL 2006
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.” Malachi 4:2 faith in focus Volume 33/3, April 2006
CONTENTS Editorial
Those others who arose Have you ever wondered how some people get all their work done? You know, those The glorified saints of Matthew 27:53 3 people who are always busy. It seems like they’re involved with everything—and actually Making room in my Father’s house they usually are! And they just keep on going. The place of hospitality 4 Now, we need to know that some are over-worked. They are under stress which will, World in focus like cracks in an earthquake, herald a collapse of some kind. With others it’s all an Consent law helps decrease abortions image—a carefully-crafted mask to make them seem like someone they’re not. Fraternal greetings to GKSA 6 But there are some who do honestly work that hard. And while sometimes they turn things down, often they’re the ones you turn to when things need to get done! “If you A feminine focus want something done ask a busy man,” the saying goes. And it’s true. Marianne Williams 11 Why? Because they make work a part of their everyday life. Work which is not restricted The gates of Jerusalem to what will turn over an immediate profit for them, but work which becomes their life. The Sheep Gate 15 In believers, this is the spiritual motivation for service. They love to work because of Missions in focus the love that is in them. What about you? Another thing you note about them is that you can approach them. A good worker like Prayer points 17 this will be part of a team. In turn, he will have others he knows he can go to for help. So he’s not actually doing all the work at all. It’s a co-operative effort. And certainly, Books in focus your thanks at his helping out will lead you to be more open in helping out. Ephesians A King’s Bible The Life of Joy 18 4:16 pictures the church as a body, “joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” These people Focus on home are models for others to emulate. Gleanings in focus The third aspect about them you’ll notice is that they sometimes get ‘put down.’ Student news Letter to the Editor The world calls this the ‘tall poppy syndrome,’ because it thinks these people are cut National Youth Camp 20 down for standing out too much. With the believer, the high stand he takes on God’s Word means that others don’t like what he’s doing. They feel it rubs them up the wrong way—but it’s actually the right way. And because that believer is busy, he will often All correspondence regarding editorial content and advertising should be sent to: brush up against others! These are only a few characteristics to a busy person. Perhaps you could add more. The Editor: Once you’ve done that, who do you think covers it all? Which one is the busiest of all? Sjirk Bajema 17 Phoenix Place, Papatoetoe, Then we cannot go past our Lord Jesus Christ. In His doing and dying He was always Auckland. working for us. He still does. Ph/Fax: +64 9 277 9360 Do you think you could do more? Email: [email protected] Reformed Churches Home Page http://www.rcnz.org.nz
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Volume 33/3, April 2006 faith in focus
Those others who arose The glorified Saints of Matthew 27:53
Sjirk Bajema We read of something similar in the story there comes all this other fruit. It’s the of the transfiguration. There was a definite beginning of the most incredible harvest in The shout will go up again this Easter Sun- purpose for that: it was a foretaste of the the world! day from pulpit and pew all over the world: glory of the Messiah. The three key disciples That’s why Matthew tells us about the “He is risen!” For on this day, we especially are pointed clearly to where it is all going. reappearance of these saints. It couldn’t remember the resurrection from the dead And it happens at a particular time in the happen at any other time but this: God’s of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was triumphant ministry of Jesus. perfect time. over all the powers of the evil one. In the same way, there’s a clear reason But Jesus was not the only one to be for the presence of these saints on this The place these saints reappeared resurrected. When He died, many others occasion. They give us a foretaste of the It couldn’t have been in any other place. arose from the dead. After His resurrection glory of believers. We realise we’re being Matthew 27:53 says, They went into the they went into Jerusalem and appeared to joined with them in the Church. holy city.” And because of what we’ve read many people. The Jewish rabbis taught that in the mes- before, it seems as if they came from the That’s a strange story, and one that sianic era many righteous would arise from cemetery outside the city. evokes many questions. One of those which the grave. They had even gone as far as to Not necessarily, though. Where had keeps popping up isn’t actually directly name which patriarchs would appear. Now, they been during the three days in between related to what we read in Matthew 27. those righteous people are here. The word of Christ’s death and resurrection? If it is true Where did they go? Where did the bodies of that they had risen from the dead and come those resurrected saints end up after the out of the tombs on the Friday afternoon, it Resurrection? all depends on where they had been since Of course, that’s not the main point of then. what Matthew is telling us. He is declaring This is commonly acknowledged by the ‘The Miracle of the Open Tombs’—Christ’s commentators to be a mystery. They say victory over death. The Advent Church it’s part of the unexplained—something we returns to symbolise the fact that, because might get to know about in heaven, if we’re of Christ’s death and resurrection, they are really that interested in it then! in glory right now! Could it be, though, that in their glorified However, the question remains. Where state they had been in heaven itself for that did these men and women end up? For that period of time? That’s where a number of matter, where were they in the three days other equally glorified saints are—people like between the supernatural opening of the Enoch, and Moses, and Elijah. When it was tombs and their appearance in the city? time for them to reappear, they did indeed There are other questions, too. This is a go into the holy city. The holy ones entered true, but unique, story. Let’s see why. prophecy is falling into place. It’s all coming the holy city to testify to the Holy One! at the right time, because these saints only Could they still now call Jerusalem the The time these saints reappeared appear after Christ has risen. They could holy city? She who had persecuted the proph- The first thing we note is the time frame for only be witnesses after the Great Witness ets of the past, and now murdered God’s own this event. This is where Matthew says, and Himself had testified. Son—the greatest prophet of them all! after Jesus’ resurrection. Remember that Klaas Schilder points out that the first Jerusalem is the holy city—she repre- they haven’t actually been seen yet. Their Sunday of the Christian church, the first sents where God is with His people, and by witness to Christ’s victory over death lies Sabbath of the New Testament, is here God’s sovereign grace she was the place in the fact that they couldn’t be seen—at acknowledged and kept by the dead before where He had been among His people. Not least, not their bodies! Everyone saw which being discovered and celebrated by the liv- by virtue of the people themselves: we could of the opened tombs had the bodies missing. ing. In the words of Romans 14:9, “Christ never look to them. As indeed we could never They were the ones who had believed and died and returned to life so that he might be depend now on the leaders and members prophesied that the Messiah would come. the Lord of the dead and the living.” of the Church universal. But because she is Now no doubt remains: they are seen. All This makes the ultimate difference. For Christ’s, she is holy! thoughts and talk about their disappearance the people of this world go to the cemetery While we may despise what people in vanish, because the people are right there! to mourn, and some of them spend the whole the Church may do, let’s never disparage In the same way that the torn curtain, day there doing just that! But Easter Sunday, the Church. She is our mother as God is the earthquake, the rocks splitting, the for the Christian, turns the cemetery into the our Father. In Christ He is the husband who, tombs opening and the bodies of the dead greatest reunion in history. Man’s way leads like Hosea, has been the faithful husband, being raised occurred when Christ died, this to a hopeless end: God’s way leads to an constantly saving her. And in the end, He appearance of the resurrected saints marks endless hope! paid His own life for her. She still has His the time when He arose from the dead. Together with Christ, who is the first-fruit, purpose for her to fulfil!
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In Acts 1:8 the Lord Jesus, as He is about The way these saints reappeared had completed the witness to their Lord. to ascend back to heaven, tells his disciples, The time and the place these saints re- And it’s the same in our text. As soon as “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit appeared is vital. It points to what Christ they had testified to the Lord, the saints went comes on you; and you will be my witnesses has done and the difference that will make up. Let’s not think otherwise. They couldn’t in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and all over this world and for all eternity! But have lived their lives ever again amongst us. to the ends of the earth.” Therefore, the city these two things themselves could only occur Just think of the confusion and disruption of Jerusalem is where it starts. She is the because of the way these saints reappeared. that would have created for those who had capital city of the King. From here the Gospel So we come to consider now the last phrase died only a few years before! Would their goes throughout the whole world. in verse 53: After Jesus’ resurrection they spouses have to take them back, even if Matthew’s readers would have been so went into the holy city and appeared to they’d remarried in the meantime? Hebrews overwhelmed! Heaven has come down to many people. 9:27 makes it very clear, man is destined earth. The soldiers of the King tell us D-day Over the years we can meet all kinds of to die once. That’s God’s order for us. Not has come, and the battle has been won. They people. Many we won’t remember at all in even a hint of reincarnation here! come in the Name of the Son! time to come. So what makes us remember These saints didn’t live human lives The place where the Lord had His visible them? Because meeting these saints would again. Nor either did they stay until Pente- presence is now only the first place of all the have been an unforgettable experience! Why cost, as some have suggested. If that was places His presence will go. And it will be in do we recall certain people and not others? the case, we would be sure to find other Jerusalem that everything for us will end: the What stands out about them? Perhaps it is references to them in scripture. And, anyway, new Jerusalem! As the apostle John pictures the way they look, the way they talk—maybe what would that add to their purpose in being it in his vision of Revelation 21:2-3, I saw it’s the unusual name they have! What would here? That purpose was to connect Christ’s the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming make these men and women not only unfor- death to His resurrection. They proclaim that down out of heaven from God, prepared as gettable, but also quite recognisable? Even if He is the One—the Messiah all the ages of a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. they had died hundreds of years before? the Church have looked hopefully for. They And I heard a loud voice from the throne say- The account of the Transfiguration helps prove that Christ is the second Adam, for ing, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, us here, for it is quite clear who Moses and they have glorious bodies. What was sown and he will live with them. They will be his Elijah are (Matt.17:1-8). Jesus becomes in weakness, to use the words of Paul in people, and God himself will be with them glorified before them there in the presence 1st Corinthians 15 verse 43, is now raised and be their God.’ of two old covenant saints who already live in power. We’ve got something out of this The Jews have an expression which has in eternity: they whose brightness is awe- world to look forward to! passed down through the generations. They some! And it’s all due to the One they witness say it to their fellow Jews when they take Their glory is so obvious that Peter to. To take our eyes off Jesus for a moment their leave. When they say goodbye, they wants to put up shelters for them. But is to miss the One Whom this is all about. say, “Next year Jerusalem!” that’s when the voice from the cloud He is Christ the King! He rules everything Christians, let’s look to enter the holy speaks, and they realise why Moses and because he has conquered death’s sting! He city, too, which is for us the heavenly Jer- Elijah are there. That is why those two has comprehensively defeated sin. usalem. Because we’re going to the One up were gone when the disciples looked up after above—the One where we’ll stay forever! humbling themselves before the voice. They
Making room in my Father’s House The place of hospitality
Hans Voschezang tations. How could these people treat them always picked her up afterwards. like that? Were they not supposed to show One Sunday Jack dropped her off as Every Sunday Jack, Emile and their little hospitality, love each other and treat each usual. After church when everybody had left, daughter Carol went faithfully to the village other with dignity? It was not their fault that Carol stood at the church doors waiting for church. Shabbily dressed, they always sat circumstances had caught up with them. her Daddy, but no one came. She looked out at the back in the last pew, not wanting to The way people looked at them disapprov- of the window, nervously watching the road draw attention to themselves. The people ingly—the ‘shouting’ silence—was too much that led up to the church. The pastor got in church looked down on them and made to bear. Jack decided not to come to church concerned: something must have happened. snide remarks about “these undesirables,” any more. He started small talk, the kind of awkward just loud enough to be heard by Jack or Emily. But little Carol insisted on going; conversation that you expect from a minister Nobody wanted to talk with them. They were she didn’t want to miss out on Sunday talking to a nervous child. But, Carol assured labelled as ‘that family living at the edge of school. So every Sunday Jack drove his him that her Daddy would come—he always the woods.’ daughter to church by horse-drawn cart. did. The pastor became annoyed. How could It embarrassed Jack that his family She sat all alone throughout the service, “these people” have forgotten to pick her up, couldn’t measure up to the people’s expec- and then through Sunday school. Jack and abandoning a sweet little girl in this way?
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After a while the pastor grew more concerned building a house, you’ll start by designing it. that Jesus came to die for. As human beings and offered to take her home, if she would An architect makes drawings and plans every we constantly build walls, looking down on tell him where she lived. They went to his detail of your new house, even to the kind of people, shutting other people out, and doing car and drove for nearly 15 minutes over knobs you want on the kitchen cabinets. But the spiritual equivalent of slamming the front country roads, Carol pointing out directions you can’t build a house unless you have a door in someone’s face. to the pastor. When he finally turned into the vacant lot to build on. Without that piece of If Creation began on a note of Divine driveway of Carol’s home, he couldn’t believe land available, your house cannot be built no hospitality, then that was meant to set the his eyes. The place was nothing more than a matter how detailed your plans and drawings tone for the rest of our Christian living. Yet run-down, battered and weathered old shack. are. So it was for God, He intended to cre- we keep on acting inhospitably to one an- It had withstood a number of storms, but it ate a universe with galaxies, stars, planets other. Even when we have experienced the looked as if it would fall apart with the next. into invite minute detail. But since God was sting of being shut out, we sometimes turn What a dump! all that existed, there was at first no equiv- right around and shut out someone else. The pastor could not hide his alarm at alent of the vacant lot on which to build this To a certain extent it looks as if we have the condition of Carol’s ramshackle home: creation. Before He could begin to build the become a ‘Members Only’ club: the ‘us and it looked as if it came out of a horror story. cosmos, God needed to invent a space that them’ mentality. What had he done to alleviate their sit- had not been there before. In Jesus’ days, the religious community uation? In our Reformed tradition, we believe the was the ultimate ‘Members Only’ club. The Her parents had tried so hard to be part universe is separate from God. We view the Pharisees were experts at shutting out un- of his congregation. Jack looked after the Creation as God’s ultimate act of hospital- desirables. When Jesus rode in to Jerusalem gardens and mowed the lawns; he had even ity. However He did it, God made room for on a donkey, the people shouted “Hosanna!” repaired a broken window. us. Our Creator God is the ultimate Divine It was a plea for salvation. But what did the It took the pastor a while to get over Cosmic Host. He carved out a place for us. crowds have in mind when they shouted the shock. He was overwhelmed by guilt. This is part of the reason why, when we read this? They thought the salvation Jesus was Meanwhile Carol, sitting in the passenger’s the account of creation in Genesis 1, we read going to achieve would bolster their exclusive seat, saw the expression on his face. She so much about that entire “separating.” God religious community, but they had a second noticed his upset reaction, and sat quietly separated waters from waters, light from thought coming. as he drove up to the ‘house.’ Then, just darkness, water and dry land. All that Divine Jesus shattered that illusion straight before she got out of the car she turned to work was to create space for us, and for all away. He went directly to the Temple and the pastor, and said, “Thank you for the ride, creatures. The Gospel of John tells us that chased out the merchants and the mon- Sir. I know my house isn’t much to look at, it was the Son of God, “the Word of God,” eychangers. In principal there was nothing but my Daddy makes it a great place to live. Who had been with God from the beginning, wrong with the presence of those merchants. He reads me stories from the Bible, he hugs that same Word that later became flesh and The religious laws required that people offer me when I’m hurting because he loves me, took on the name Jesus. sacrifices in the Temple. The merchants only and he makes me laugh.” Her Daddy meant In the Incarnation, the One who had provided a service by selling the animals everything to her. She didn’t worry about made space for us came down to this world the people needed to fulfill God’s sacrificial where she lived or how she lived. Her only He had made. John’s opening chapter tells requirements. The problem was that those concern was her Daddy, who loved her. With us that the Word became flesh and became stalls were not set up in some neutral spot in a choking voice the pastor said goodbye and one of us, but…when He came to His own the Temple grounds, but in the Gentile Court. drove off. people, they didn’t receive Him. We were This was the place designated for non-Jews not hospitable at all to the One who is our and others who wished to come and pray to Making room Ultimate Host. It’s the nature of this very sin God. By occupying that space, access to the It’s remarkable what a high profile hos- pitality has in the New Testament. It’s even described as a gift of the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to be hospitable to- wards one another and to strangers. But what has this to do with Easter? Discussed from a particular viewpoint, it has everything to do with Easter and living as Christians. For centuries theologians have pondered God’s act of creation. One traditional ques- tion is: “If, before God created the heavens and the earth God was all that there was and all that there had ever been, then ‘where’ exactly did God create the universe? It’s not as if there was an empty space waiting to be filled. If God was all that there was or had been, didn’t He need to carve out room for the universe even before He created the universe in all its particular splendour?” Think of it this way: If you are thinking of
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Temple was denied to people God wanted to Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the exercise good hospitality. As the saying goes, see and hear from. earth!…When I consider Your Heavens…the “Hospitality is the knack for making others Jesus came to this earth not to close moon and stars….what is humanity that feel at home even when you wish they were.” doors behind Him, but to fling the doors to You take any notice of us, that You even It’s sometimes hard work, and it can require the Kingdom wide open. That doesn’t deny care for us? That was David’s experience: personal sacrifices. what Jesus Himself said: that the road that he felt dwarfed by the immensity of the One of the most inhospitable lines that leads to life is the narrow way, and not the universe, although he could see only a small comes to mind is, “But, we’ve never done broad and easy highway most people prefer part of it. We do matter to God, as small it this way before.” Then again, when Jesus to follow. It’s not to deny that Jesus alone is and insignificant as we are, because the hung on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins, the Way, the Truth and the Life. There is no main work of creation was to make space He could have said to all of us, “I’ve never other way to the Father but by Him. It may for us in God’s act of Divine hospitality. By done it this way before either.” But the result sound exclusivist but the invitation, however, quoting this psalm, Jesus brought back to is life abundant, to be shared with everybody is freely given to all without distinction. It’s creation’s intention of making room for all to the glory of God! Someday the earth will not intended to shut out, but to invite. Just the last, the least, the lost, the lowly and be filled with God’s glory cascading forth like because the invitation is specific doesn’t the lonely people whose lives have been a mighty waterfall. Some day…! mean it is discriminatory. Jesus came to fractured by sin. We live, however, in the present day, and remind us that hospitality is the universe’s We follow Jesus on His final journey to our vocation is to make that glory known in keynote, and it has been so from the begin- Calvary’s hill—to victory over death and the way we treat the people around us and ning. sin. And as the Church of Jesus Christ, we by showing love in the way we walk with our Matthew tells us how Jesus made room ought not to try and follow Him unless we God. If the Bible is our guide in life, it is in the Temple. What happened next? The are prepared to show hospitality by invit- demonstrated clearly by how well we walk blind and the lame came to Him and He ing all others to the Gospel’s feast of joy. with God. healed them. These were all people who had Any good host can tell you that hospitality previously been shut out. The very essence always costs you something. It’s not easy For further reading of Easter is here in this picture. Jesus died to withdraw and pull back to make room for Salvation‘s Hospitality by: Scott Hoezee. on the cross for more reasons than we can others. We have to give and take in order to imagine. The salvation Jesus accomplished for us is as wide open as the cosmos.
Jesus died to make room again No matter how hard we try we cannot com- World in focus plete a list of all the hurts Jesus healed, all the wrongs He put right, all the brokenness He made new. The fact is that by dying as a Jews largest target of religious- for permits – and since neighbors must give human being within His creation, Jesus the based hate crimes their approval before a permit is granted, the Word of God, Who hospitably made all things, Jews remained the greatest target of re- decree is a huge obstacle for churches meeting died to make room for all once again in His ligious-based hate crimes in the United States in majority-Muslim communities. Father’s house with the many mansions. This in 2004, according to a report released by + Compass Direct, PO Box 27250, Santa Ana, CA 92799-7250 (949) 862-0304 is a community that defines the goodness of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI being an insider by Divine grace only. That recorded 1,374 incidents of religion-oriented grace is such a precious gift that you want hate crimes in 2004, and 954 of those were President of Miami Urban League it to come to everybody. You wish nobody to directed at Jews. calls school choice a “Civil Rights remain an outsider. + Federal Bureau of Investigation, J. Edgar Hoover Issue” But the Pharisees found this a tough Building, 935 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC Willard Fair, vice chairman of the Florida State 20535-0001 act to follow. Their precious Temple was Board of Education and president of the Urban inundated with the lame, the blind and other League of Greater Miami, called school choice undesirables. Worst of all, screaming kids Eight House churches shut down “the civil rights issue of the 21st Century.” Fair were running all over the place shouting in Indonesia issued a call to action for Blacks to demand “Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna!” This was Government officials in Bandung, West Java, change. Blacks “must lead the charge, because getting out of control. The Pharisees were ordered eight house churches in the Rancaekek it is in our interest” to do so, Fair said. indignant. Kencana housing complex to cease meeting in Fair’s support of school choice, his willing- Matthew picks up the story: “Do you private homes starting 15 Jan. Each church re- ness to work with Republicans, and his candid hear what these children are saying?” ceived the order by letter, following a meeting on public criticism of other Black leaders often they shouted over the noise. “Yes”, Jesus 12 Jan. attended by local government officials, put him at odds with other leaders in the shouted back, “and have you never read police, the commander of the local military, and Black community. Fair was particularly critical Psalm 8?’ “From the lips of children and the leader of a local Muslim forum. Several of of Black leaders who think that school choice infants you have ordained praise.” On that the churches in the complex met for worship and reform “must be part of some evil, White, note Jesus left for the day. services, anyway, saying they had no alternative Republican conspiracy” because the ideas are The importance of the fact that Jesus venue. The churches applied for permits in 1993 popular with Republicans. Fair said that kind quoted Psalm 8 is that it is a celebration but were rejected. Under a ministerial decree of thinking was preventing Blacks from finding of God’s handiwork in Creation. O Lord. Our issued in 1969, all religious groups must apply solutions to their problems.
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Fair said “people who run for office must for the year 2004 shows that more than 2000 Rt. Rev. Jonah Kolo, the Bishop of Bida, called know that those who do not support school women changed their minds about having an upon the killers to “voluntarily offer themselves choice will not get our votes.” abortion after receiving information supplied to police so that they will not go to hell,” also As an example of what kind of action was in accordance with the law. The law, known as asking them to, “confess their sins and ask needed, Fair stated that there are 80,000 the Women’s Right to Know, requires a waiting for forgiveness.” families in the Miami-Dade County area eligible period before aborting and provides full infor- Archdeacon Yisa was born in 1947 and for tuition assistance vouchers, which could be mation regarding the nature of abortion. attended the Theological College of Nigeria in used to help students from low-income families + Women’s Right to Know Act, Minnesota Dept. of Bukuru. He was ordained priest in 1977 and health, PO Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 escape failings schools. But most of the vouch- (651) 201-5000 preferred Archdeacon in 1993 by the former ers go unused because the system has no in- Bishop of Minna, the Rt. Rev.Nathaniel Yisa. terest in promoting them. Fair said an organized His ministry was largely in Northern Nigeria and New Tribes Mission of Venezuela effort to show parents that the vouchers are a he was particularly noted as an evangelist. He In order to comply with a resolution ordering viable option should be promoted. is survived by his wife Millicent Amina and four missionaries to leave tribal areas, New Tribes + Willard Fair, State Board of Education, Vice Chair, children; he was to be buried at the Cathedral Urban League of Greater Miami, Inc., 8500 NW 25th Mission of Venezuela (NTM), has begun relocat- Church of St. John in Bida on 31 Jan. Ave., Miami, FL 33147 (305) 696-4450 ext. 0 ing personnel. + Rev. Mr. Charles A. Collins Jr., 289 Hastings Dr., The relocation began 27 Jan., as part of a Goose Creek, SC 29445 Sham marriages scandal two-week plan, in order to complete the moves Rev. Mteteleli de Villiers Soga, 73, former head by the mid-February deadline. The resolution ”Missionaries” from Africa … to of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the went into effect 14 Nov., and gave NTM of Scotland Eastern Cape, South Africa, has been arrested Venezuela 90 days to leave tribal areas. Ministers from South Africa are being appointed and charged with fraud involving organizing The mission had been hoping the Venezuela by the United Free Church of Scotland to serve bogus marriages for local women to foreigners Supreme Court would issue a stay of the order in three congregations in Leith, Stonehouse, they have never met. - and the court still may - but it was necessary and Wishaw. Soga, the leader of the Inter-denominational to begin the relocations in order for the mission The United Free Church has recently faced African Ministers Association of South Africa, to maintain its historic adherence to the laws a shortage of ministers, so when the United which led local churches in anti-apartheid of Venezuela. Congregational Church of Southern Africa heard struggles in the 1980s, stated to the court he It is still possible that Venezuela’s of the need in Scotland, their response was to would hire a Legal Aid Board lawyer to defend Supreme Court will annul the resolution. In the immediately offer to assist by sending several him when the case went to trial. meantime, missionaries will meet with NTM’s of their ministers to serve there. Soga is facing nine counts involving fraud- Venezuela leadership team to discuss future The ministers are Rev. J. Patrick Coltman to ulent marriages, but the number of charges ministry options. Stonehouse, Rev. Joseph Naika to Leith, and could increase once the investigation has come + New Tribes Mission Venezuela, USA Home Office, 1000 E. First St., Sanford, FL 32771 (407) 323-3430 Rev. Peter de Villiers to Wishaw. They have all to an end. arrived in Scotland and are already serving The State alleges that Soga illegally obtained these appointments. Hymns and music site copies of South African identity documents be- The appointments are initially for three If you would like to know what a particular hymn longing to local women and proceeded to marry years. It is hoped these appointments will not tune sounds like for worship planning, personal the unsuspecting victims to Pakistan nationals only benefit the three congregations but also devotions, and other occasions, you will find seeking citizenship. be an encouragement to the wider church in “Tunes to Hymns of the Trinity Hymnal” a helpful A woman from Ficksburg in the Free State Scotland. source. The hymns can be accessed by hymn filed a fraud complaint with the police when + United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, she discovered she had been married without title, author of lyrics, composer of tunes, hymn PO Box 96014, Brixton 2019, Johannesburg, South Africa her knowledge. Soga apparently was arrested number, tune name, or Scripture references. + Rev. John O. Fulton, General Secretary, United Free afterwards. Hymns are played by MIDI or piano. Church of Scotland, 11 Newton Pl., Glasgow G3 7PR In November, 2005, 38 women from the +
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Diocese of Sydney ordains 47 the Lenin Scientific Library in Nizhny Novgorod. one million abortions each year. Unless the In what is believed to be the largest ordination They were brought to the Soviet Union after laws are changed, the number of abortions will in Australian Anglican history, the Diocese of World War II. pass 50 million in 2008. Sydney, noted for its Calvinism, ordained 47 The law upholds Hungary’s request for return Guttmacher compiles data on abortions by men (the diocese does not ordain women) to of the books, which “represent unique cultural contacting abortion clinics, and its latest data is the diaconate on Saturday, February 4. The ordi- valuables increasingly important from the point from 2002 (1,293,000). The 47 million figure is nations come four years after Archbishop Peter of view of history, art, and science that were based on Guttmacher data from 1973 through Jensen announced his mission to convert 10 transferred to the Soviet Union after World War II 2002, and on the 2002 count remaining fairly percent of Sydneysiders to Bible-based (although and have been kept at the Lenin State Regional steady through 2005. By including a 3 percent not necessarily Anglican) churches. Many of the Scientific Library in Nizhny Novgorod.” under-report that Gutttmacher estimates it new deacons began their studies in response to The bill was adopted by the State Duma misses, the figure of 47 million is derived. Archbishop Jensen’s call and will be appointed on 20 Jan. and approved by the Federation Guttmacher in a 2004 report stated that to organise new parishes. At the same service Council on 25 Jan. only one percent of women said their abortion two Sudanese men were licensed to serve in + Federal Council of the Federal Assembly of the was the consequence of rape, and less than Russian Federation, 103426, Moscow, ul. Bol’shaia the diocese and two women were commissioned Dmitrovka, 26 one percent cited incest. Eighty-six percent said as Diocesan Lay Workers. they were having an abortion for the sake of + Rev. Charles A. Collins, Jr., 289 Hastings Dr., convenience - either they weren’t ready for a Goose Creek, SC 29445 Pastors sue Navy for discrimination child (25 percent), they said they couldn’t afford Navy Lt. Gordon James Klingenschmitt, an Epis- to have one (23 percent), they didn’t want any The Master’s Trumpet Online copal chaplain says his battle to say prayers more children (19 percent), they didn’t want to The Master’s Trumpet is available online. The in Jesus’ name has cost him any chance for be a single mother or had relationship problems periodical is published by the North American a promotion, and Klingenschmitt is now joining (eight percent), they said they were too young presbytery of the Free Church of Scotland an effort to allow chaplains in the military to to have a child (seven percent) or they believed (Continuing), on the internet without charge, pray according to their own traditions, instead a child would interfere with their education or and in a printed edition available at an annual of abiding by generic, pluralistic texts. career (four percent). subscription of US$25 to addresses in North + Guttmacher Institute, 1301 Connecticut Ave., NW, It was reported in the Toledo Blade that America, and US$30 to addresses elsewhere. Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 296-4012 65 ministers have signed on to a class-action + National Right to Life Committee, 512 10th St., Each issue may be read online in pdf, at lawsuit alleging religious discrimination by the NW, Washington, DC 20004 (202) 626-8800
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vandalized and priests attacked in Lebanon and and ministered to; the team visited, and stayed, Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos, Nigeria, injur- Turkey, with one death reported. in the homes of Russian pastors and their ing the gatekeeper, the Bishop’s sons Rinji + Elizabeth Kendal,
Fraternal Greetings from the Reformed Churches of New Zealand Address to the Synod of the Reformed Churches of South Africa (GKSA)
John Rogers again for your welcome and hospitality. obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ. You know us a little by now so perhaps Over the past half dozen years, something Mr Chairman, I feel very embarrassed. I have I only need to inform you of some of the new has arisen on our horizon, namely, been dressed ready to give these greetings more significant decisions taken at our another reformed denomination in NZ. In so many times I have run out of shirts to synod in September of last year and so about 2000 the Grace Presbyterian Church wear a tie with. May I make my penance with keep you up to date with where we are was established as a result of deep dissatis- words from that hymn much used by Billy as Churches that want and strive to be faction, going back many years, with the Graham in the 50s and 60s: Just as I am with but one plea, and that thy programme hath un- dressed me. I would like to do everything correctly from now on, so could you please advise me: should I introduce my ecclesiastical greetings with the old haka or the new haka? … Some people have been rather upset with that new haka, but they misunderstand that movement of the hand across the throat. The truth is, knowing how polite and proper South Africans are, it is just that our boys want to make sure their ties are straight before they meet the Springboks on the field.
Our situation Mr Chairman, members of the Moderamen, delegates and visitors, it is a pleasure to be in your country and to have fellowship with you once more. This is the third time I have been here representing the RCNZ. I always L to R: Rev KK Shimbi (Confessing Reformed Church of Congo), Rev John Rogers and Rev feel very at home here and so I thank you G van Schie (CRCA Perth, Western Australia)
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direction being taken by the Presbyterian Something that is very close to my heart in Auckland; two Churches, Bucklands Church of Aoteroa-NZ. We send observers and for which I was very thankful, our Synod Beach and the North Shore, had Dr Pieter to each other’s synods & our Interchurch in September approved the work done over van Huyssteen conduct services once per Relations Committee was charged at our the previous three years by the Psalm & month for about ten months in 2004 with last Synod to discuss with them how we may Hymn Selection Committee. All our 50 years, the intention of reaching South Africans who relate more closely with each other. We also we have used the old Christian Reformed had not found a home in either the Reformed had at our Synod this year representatives Psalter-Hymnal and it has served us well. Churches or the Afrikaans Christian Church. from the Korean-American Presbyterian But in 2002 a committee was charged to Perhaps there is more we could do, but we Church – NZ Presbytery. We do not know very assemble a new selection of Psalm versifi- have and are continuing to try. So far as my much about these Churches as yet but will cations and hymns for use in our Churches. own congregation is concerned, we have be seeking to talk to them. There are also in We have made good progress and it is about twelve ex South African families, and Auckland some congregations of the Kosin our hope, and for which we have Synod’s after our elder and deacon elections held Church, a sister church of yours from Korea authorization, to present to the Churches late last month, it is only my Chairman’s casting and fellow member of the ICRC. So, increas- this year our provisional selection of Psalms vote that hangs on to the balance of power ingly, NZ becomes more cosmopolitan. for the congregations to ‘test-drive’ while we in our Church Council! (But really, it is not Our Overseas Mission Board continues to continue to work on the hymn section. Not like that at all.) be active. At present we help support a mis- meaning be too big-headed, but it will, of The other matter I should comment on sionary of the Canadian Reformed Churches course, be the last word in English-speak- is in respect to your decision at last Synod in Papua-New Guinea, Rev. Stephen & ing Psalter-Hymnals. I have my order book to open the office of deacon to women. Dorinda ‘t Hart; we also have a support in my bag, if any of your English-speaking When you made that decision I expressed couple in PNG, Wally & Jeanette Hagoort. congregations would like to take advantage my concern that, while your Church Order They manage a missionary guest house in of our special, pre-publication deal. and your version of the Belgic Confession Port Morseby as well as being very active We had a record number of churches do not see the deacons as part of the in the local Reformed congregation. Janice sending delegates to our last Synod, includ- Council and therefore rule of the Church, Reid continues training radio announcers ing two from your Churches, the Revs Henk nevertheless your CO does allow deacons for FEBC and now HCJB in South America. Stoker and Ben Fourie. We appreciate that. to serve on the council when there are And then a retired minister with his wife, the It was good to hear from them and good to three elders or fewer. I said in 2003, “That Rev. Barry & Anne James have done another hear of the work you are seeking to do to infers that you see the office of deacon as couple of 10-12 month stints at the Training take the Gospel to all South Africans. We an authority-bearing office. There must be College of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church salute you in it; many of you are very active; a biblical rationale behind that. But you of Uganda, this in conjunction with the OPC may the Lord bless all your efforts with the have made your decision today without in the United States. salvation of many souls for the praise of first studying whether that rationale was a In respect of missions, we often have God’s glory. correct understanding of Scripture or not.” young people who like to travel and who also Furthermore, it seemed to me that you had have a desire to serve the Lord. Our people Our relationship with you not thought about your theology of ordina- also like to share of their wealth in good and I would now like to speak for a moment tion. “If ordination confers an authority worthy diaconal causes but it is not always of the relationship between our Churches derived from the apostles, the question of easy to know, from a distance, where we and yours. Let me say first of all that our the relative authority of the offices needs may best do so. Our National Diaconate has Interchurch Relations Committee thanks to be settled first.” designated our last two special Christmas your Deputies for Ecumenism for having Brothers, we have no problem at all Appeals for the Henry Murray School for your most important decisions of your last with unordained deacons, male or female, the Deaf in Zimbabwe; we also work with Synod translated and sent to them. That albeit in some other way formally recognized, our brothers and sisters in the CRCA with was very helpful and we appreciate your serving the Churches in non-authority-bear- Aids relief in India. With both these factors going to that trouble. There are two matters ing functions. But in our view, very un-PC in mind, the week after Synod brothers Ben in regard to this about which I should make though it is, Scripture reserves authority in Fourie and Henk Stoker have organized for some comment. the Church to men. me to visit some of the mission & diaconal Your charge to your deputies to help us Our Synod in September decided, there- works that your churches are engaged in. work with South African immigrants and fore, and has charged me “to express our Perhaps there is some way we can work with integrate them into the RCNZ: the Rev. Jan deep concern to the GKSA concerning its you in those missions. Maybe even some of Lion-Cachet continues to work as a minister decision to allow the ordination of women as our young people could do their big OE by of the Reformed Church of Wellington among deacons (Art.62).” We also passed two other visiting you and giving some time helping a group of South Africans in a nearby area. resolutions in connection with your Churches in some practical way as they like to do. That group is growing and now comprises in general and this matter in particular. No doubt, brothers, we are not painting the 44 families, according to our latest Year- town red, but we are trying, with all our sins book. Brother Jan is also from time to time Art.66 and inadequacies, to serve our Lord to the called upon to take occasional services in 1. That the RCNZ sponsor the GKSA’s ap- best of our ability. Afrikaans for other congregations where plication to join the International Conference Like you, we also are looking at new there are numbers of ex-South Africans of Reformed Churches notwithstanding our translations of the confessions, updating present. One of our congregations in the concern about women as deacons. the language of our liturgical forms, looking city of Hamilton has also worked very hard 2. To continue to monitor closely the ongoing at new translations of the Bible. seeking to incorporate South Africans and discussion in the GKSA on the role of women
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in the church and to report on any further many ways. We believe this Report stumbles pretty well. So we speak as brothers, seeking synodical decisions in this area. rather badly. The consequence is that it leads to be as iron sharpening iron, helping each to quite inadequate conclusions. other on our different paths through history Women in office For these reasons we find ourselves and life in this world to the great day when Before I left NZ Dr Pieter van Huyssteen much more in sympathy with the line of the our Lord returns in glory; to glorify us also. kindly translated the Majority Report on Minority Report. Women in the Church. I read it carefully on Brothers, in 1995 our Churches broke Closing remarks the plane. I had also sent it to the secretary relations with the Christian Reformed Church In closing, Mr Chairman, again I thank you of our Inter-Church Relations Committee, the of North America with this being one of the heartily for your invitation to be present and Rev. Dr Michael Flinn. I presented a summary presenting issues, although our ultimate your welcome. I want also to thank brother of his and my impressions of that Report to concern is the hermeneutic behind it. We Hannes Vorster who has done so much to your committee on Thursday night. do not take an action like that lightly and help us foreign delegates; also your transla- It disturbs us, brothers. There are many certainly not quickly. Ultimately, this is your tors; they do a wonderful job. red herrings in this debate. In our view, this debate and you must go where you believe Brother Henk Stoker, when he closed his report chases a few. To be very brief, let me the Lord is guiding you. But a move in the address to our Synod, asked that we would just make two comments; direction of the recommendations of the pray for your Churches “in a troubled nation The report makes a number of unsub- Majority Report will place a strain on the in troubled times.” Mr Chairman, we have stantiated assumptions in respect of the relationship between our denominations. We and we do, often; and we will continue to do status of women in the various cultures of ask you: please consider very hard whether so. We ask you do the same for us. For we Bible times, all of which we would challenge, this really is where Scripture, and therefore are at least as pagan a nation and with as but which, having been made, predispose our Lord, requires you to go. pagan a government as yours. But the Lord the exegesis and reasoning of the report in We have expressed concern over certain reigns and as the warrior on the white horse a certain direction. Brothers, to depend on decisions you have made. We trust we do he still marches through this world slaying cultural assumptions so heavily as this has not do so from any sense of censoriousness his enemies with the sword of his mouth, the the tendency to move us from the authority or superiority. We wish to do so only out of sword of the Word of God, and calling out his of an infallible Bible to the authority of the hearts that feel at one with you and wish to chosen to himself. We have been called, by infallible historian. But brothers, the histori- remain so. We have been together for quite a God’s grace to be among that number, and ans are not infallible and the effect of this long time – maybe forty years. We both found through prayer and the Word of God, we too sort of approach is to take the Bible out of ourselves compelled to leave the Reformed shall share in Christ’s victory. the hands of the ordinary people. Ecumenical Council together in the eighties May the Lord guide you all here in the Secondly, the exegesis is not rigorous. and over the same concerns. We are now decisions you must make in this Synod, to Sometimes it is simply assumed, eg, in also fellow members of the International his honour and glory and the upbuilding of respect of Genesis 3:16 and 1 Corinthians Council of Reformed Churches. Over the past his Church in South Africa. Thankyou. 11:5. James tells us that we all stumble in ten years we have got to know one another
A feminine focus Sally Davey
lines like Yvette Williams or Susan Devoy. But a woman who fears the LORD is Marianne She did nothing to put New Zealand on the to be praised.” (vv. 28-30) world stage in the way that a woman like And I intend to praise her. Kiri Te Kanawa has, as a friend of royalty Williams – and opera singer of great acclaim. She is Her key role in our history certainly not the kind of person a govern- Marianne Williams was the wife of one of A Woman to ment like ours would add to the Order of New Zealand’s earliest missionaries, Henry New Zealand. Marianne Williams was no Williams. They arrived in the Bay of Islands celebrity. She was, however, a Proverbs 31 in 1823, sent by the Church Missionary be Praised woman of distinction, and one of whom it Society from England to bring the gospel to can truly be said: the Maori tribes; and to help bring order to Marianne Williams is one of the real her- the Society’s work there. In fact, she was one oines of our short history as a nation. And “Her children rise up and call her of the very first British women ever to live yet, she is not one whose name will appear blessed; in these islands. In anybody’s estimation, it in the standard histories. She didn’t cam- Her husband also, and he praises was a remarkable feat of faith and practical paign for women’s votes like Kate Shep- her: endurance to come from the background herd. She wasn’t one of the first women ‘Many women have done excellently, she did, to the place she did, with the pros- doctors, lawyers or university professors. but you surpass them all.’ pect of spending the rest of her life there. She didn’t serve in Parliament . She never Charm is deceitful, and beauty is Never did she expect to see her family or made world news, or made sporting head- vain,
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her friends again. Neither did she—in this school near Nottingham, shortly after Wright learned how to start a vegetable garden, and world, at least. Coldham died and Marianne was left with how to build a fire in a river bed. Marianne her weighty family responsibilities. He soon was a sensible, practical, resourceful lady. Her background became a regular visitor at the Coldham Her daughter, Marianne Davies, later wrote Born in 1793 in Yorkshire, Marianne was household. They were married in Oxford- this description of her mother at the time of the daughter of an evangelical Anglican, shire by Edward Marsh, who at the wedding her marriage: Wright Coldham. Her father was an enter- reception passed them a copy of the Mis- “Tall, about 5 feet 9 inches, slender, prising man, and when she was 3 years old sionary Register, a magazine published by very fair, with large blue eyes and a daz- the family moved to Nottingham, where he the Church Missionary Society. They read zling complexion. Hers was a very gracious hoped to make his fortune in the lace-mak- this during their honeymoon, and learned of personality, but under an apparent sweet ing industry there. She was his oldest child; the newly-established mission settlement gentleness there was an unbending will. [This and witnessed, during her childhood, the at Kerikeri in the Bay of Isalnds. There were is reflected in the silhouette drawn of her at death and burial of seven younger brothers plans to provide the settlement with a supply this age. By her middle years her strong and sisters. She probably became old for ship. Henry began to dream of working for character and the effects of the demanding her years. In Nottingham, her father did the CMS in the South Pacific. Of course, his experiences of her New Zealand years may well. By the time Marianne was 16 he had naval experience could be useful. be seen in a photograph taken then]. become Mayor of the town. But in that same Not long afterwards he offered himself She was a very accomplished young year, her mother died after giving birth for to the CMS in his naval capacity, but they woman, her education far above the average, the eleventh time. This young teenager as- turned him down. Danger from tribal warfare she had a clear, logical brain, an inexhaust- sumed heavy responsibilities—for her three was posing the very real possibility that the ible fund of humour, a very strong sense of little sisters (including baby Anne) and blind the dramatic and would express it in writing grandmother, and for the daily management and painting. She was an excellent letter of the three-storied mayoral house with its writer.” domestic staff. In addition, she took on the By the beginning of 1822 Marianne was task of acting as “Mayoress” to help her expecting their third child, and the family father at official functions. Five years later moved to Hampshire to be nearer cousin her father died; and at 22 she was now the Edward Marsh, who was preparing Henry for senior member of the family. ordination. Less than a fortnight later, she It was in this year that she renewed gave birth in a very difficult experience (a acquaintance with Henry Williams, whom breech birth) to Samuel, named so because she had known in childhood as his father he had nearly died and his parents saw had also been involved in the lace-making him as especially given in service to God. industry of Nottingham. Their fathers had (Samuel was their only child to become a shared the role of Sheriffs of Nottingham. missionary). It surely must have crossed Henry’s father had died in 1804, however, Marianne’s mind that where she was going, and his mother, Mary, a firm Christian, had there would be no medical expertise to help sold the family business and moved the her in any second birth such as this. family to Southwell (just north of Notting- ham) where she opened a school for young Their going to New Zealand ladies. Two years later Henry (aged 14) had At a special farewell meeting at the CMS joined the Royal Navy, and for 11 years he headquarters in London Henry addressed served his country during one of the most the governing committee, and said this of exciting times in British naval history—the his wife: “With regard to Mrs Williams, I beg Napoleonic Wars. He saw much action, even Marianne, aged 19 years to say that she does not accompany me hand-to-hand combat at one stage, and at merely as my wife, but as a fellow helper in the end of hostilities retired as an officer on mission would have to be closed—but they the work. Though it will be, for some time, half-pay. Henry was a resourceful, energetic suggested instead that he go as an ordained her chief care to watch over those tender and practical man. He was not afraid in missionary. With Marianne’s complete sup- plants which are committed to her immediate violent situations, but the action he had seen port, he accepted. Over the period of the charge, yet she will, I trust, be performing convinced him that he did not want to take up next three years they prepared themselves. therein no inconsiderable duty to the Mis- arms again. Moreover he was a committed, Henry studied medicine and surgery, sion.” In fact, Marianne was to watch over single-hearted Christian man who wanted to and learned practical boat-building skills. 11 tender plants, all of whom were strong, serve God. He had been converted through Marianne was thoroughly realistic about the healthy, and survived to a ripe old age. In the friendship of his cousin and brother-in- basic conditions she would find in the Bay this her contribution to the foundation of New law Edward Marsh, an evangelical clergymen of Islands—no tea shops, no doctors, no Zealand was very considerable indeed. who was deeply interested in the Church schools. She busied herself training in mid- Henry and Marianne and their 3 small Missionary Society. wifery, nursing and teaching. Though used children set sail for Australia on board a to household management, she had yet to women’s convict ship. It carried 170 women Marianne and Henry meet again learn to cook herself. This she did with the convicts and 100 free women who were Henry and Marianne met when Henry took aid of Domestic Cookery by a Lady, a book going to Hobart to join their convict hus- up work as a drawing master at a girls’ she took with her to her new home. She also bands. Henry had been engaged as ship’s
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chaplain; and in preparation for this task able patience, as frequently the girls would spent several days with prison reformer refuse to do what they were asked, and Elizabeth Fry, a Christian lady who gave him would simply disappear if it didn’t suit them practical suggestions on helping the women to stay. She also kept a school to teach the during the 9-month voyage. On board, Mari- missionaries’ children in Paihia, and one for anne did all she could to assist; and certainly teaching the Maori children. they saw this time as an opportunity for the Henry was an active, well-organised and gospel in the lives of these poor women. busy missionary. He worked hard at preach- On arrival in Sydney they spent time with ing, teaching, and preparing converts for Samuel Marsden while they waited for a ship baptism. But there were great difficulties in to take them on to the Bay of Islands. He the work, among them Hongi’s devastation introduced them, first-hand, to the situation of the other tribes of the northern North in New Zealand; and explained the state of Island following his purchase of muskets. the Maori people, the fruit that had been The habit of warfare was endemic; and a seen from the labour so far, and also the ten- number of times the fearless Henry physi- sions that had developed between some of cally separated two or more combatants by the missionaries already stationed there. He standing between them—always unarmed himself accompanied them to New Zealand himself. On one occasion this happened to deal with some of the difficulties. They ar- outside the house, with Marianne and their rived at Kerikeri, where they stayed with the terrified children inside. Numerous were the Marianne Williams when close to eithty years Butler family. Marianne took an instant liking times they encountered physical danger. of age with her granddaughters, Agnes Lydia to Mrs Butler; but Marsden had no choice but Henry took many long trips into the interior Williams (right) and Evelyn Maud Williams to dismiss John Butler for habits of drunk- of the North Island, and trips by sea around (left). enness and his overbearing manner. Henry the country to investigate prospects for Williams’s arrival as an ordained man was new mission stations. Often he was away the Maori tribes, the missionaries—who a new development for the mission in New for months, and there was no way of send- believed this was the best way to safeguard Zealand. He was put in charge by Marsden, ing news home that he was safe. Marianne them from negative settler impact—were so and applying his gifts of leadership, soon was a courageous woman. But over the trusted and respected that their word on the improved the situation greatly. The family, years, living among the Maori, teaching treaty was sufficient persuasion to sign. after Marianne recovered from giving birth a them, talking with them, and letting them few weeks following their arrival, settled in a see their example, they won deep respect. Church politics new settlement at Paihia beach. There they Slowly, even among those not interested in But Henry did not enjoy these “political” were to spend the next 27 years. the Gospel personally, the more extreme demands on his and the other missionaries’ of pagan customs began to diminish. Can- time and energy. He was firmly committed The early days here nibalism occurred less often—at least in the to the goal of seeing souls turned to Christ, At first they lived in a raupo hut connected to proximity of the missionaries. Ritual plunder and was glad when the Governor moved the a storehouse. It was 40 feet by 18 feet, and was less and less a matter of course, and seat of government activities to Auckland. A was to accommodate 2 families and a work- slowly the tohungas’ sway over the people difficulty he had not foreseen, though, was man (11 people in all). Later they lived in the through fear weakened. By the time the friction between the CMS missionaries and wooden house marked by a cross on Henry’s Colonial Office sent Captain Hobson out the Bishop, in the years following his arrival. drawing. Paihia was chosen because of its to New Zealand to negotiate a treaty with Church life had really been established concentration of local Maori, and its good location for embarking on trips to the pas of the Bay of Islands and the interior, as well as to set off on exploratory trips to the Bay of Plenty, the Thames and the Waikato. The first task was to learn the language; and this they did through their contact with the local people. However, Henry was deter- mined to learn it more formally—to work out the structure and grammar of the language, so that he could translate the Scriptures into Maori for the churches of converts he hoped would be organised. This he even- tually did, with the help of his brother William, who arrived a few years later. Marianne’s work centred around the home, where she trained numbers of young Maori women in household tasks and in habits of cleanliness. Among them were the daughters of chiefs. The Paihia Mission Station in 1845. Marianne and Henry’s house is just to the right of the This was not easy work: it required consider- boathouse.
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premises) by Governor Grey, the CMS felt it noise of running children’s feet, the slam- had no choice but to dismiss Henry. After ming of doors, of meetings, housework and 27 years of solid labour in the Gospel, this, food preparation. She also endured Henry’s and the accompanying sense of betrayal, many absences, lengthy ones, in which she must have been a sore blow. Within a week knew there were many potential dangers. of receiving the letter of dismissal, Henry She suffered disappointment, criticism, and and Marianne left their home in Paihia and the slights of the Governor and the Bishop all their work, their schools and their church. with him. Doubtless Marianne had wise and Marianne Williams They retreated inland to the home of their gentle words of counsel for Henry during this son Henry and Jane, his wife. Their children time; but the simple fact that she was with welcomed them with delight. There they him, beside him, uncomplainingly enduring stayed, and worked as they could among the what he endured, spoke volumes of encour- churches, for the rest of their lives. Henry agement. Any husband will attest to that. was finally reinstated by the CMS after his brother William traveled to England to bring A remarkable mother the facts before them, but the effects of Marianne was, secondly, a remarkable such a dismissal could of course not be mother. Her acceptance of the missionary entirely obliterated. Marianne, his dear wife calling, with all its sacrifice and hardship, in New Zealand with the preaching of the of 32 years, had shard everything with her was acceptance for her three small children Word, the baptism of converts and their husband–sickness, health, fruitful labour as well. Going to New Zealand, with its lack of admission to communion. Henry was even and difficult times–better, and worse. She doctors, good housing, infrastructure, or any teaching promising Maori to teach others in was a faithful wife, and at this sorrowful certain prospects for the future, had its risks the faith. But he was unable to ordain men crossroads, she made no complaint. for a mother who cared about her children. for ministry; and there were other reasons In this she took a giant step of faith. In New why a bishop was necessary to complete the A remarkable wife Zealand, she and Henry were blessed with establishment of the Church of England on After such a brief life’s survey, what conclu- eight more children. Eleven children were New Zealand shores. So George Augustus sions may we reach about Marianne? What a goodly heritage, but they were also a big Selwyn was sent from England to fill this can we learn from her example, from the responsibility in such circumstances. One role, and the missionaries were delighted. way she has walked before us? I think there striking thing about the Williams family—the On arrival in 1842, he stayed some time with are two things that deserve special focus. wider family—was their remarkable vitality. Henry and Marianne: newcomers usually did. Firstly, she was a remarkable wife. From None of the children of either family were At first, Henry believed Selwyn was a man of the very time she married Henry, she was invalids; none died in childhood; and almost like mind; but over time it became obvious prepared to enter into all that his life would all lived to very old age. This was a tremen- that he and the clergy he had brought with entail. Henry, without doubt, was a loving, dous blessing, of the type promised to Old him were of High Church leaning, embrac- faithful and wise husband; and I suspect his Testament believers for faithfulness to God. ing positions on the role of the sacraments mother had been a remarkable woman. It is But much more important than good health and the role of the clergy that were really clear both Henry and his brother, William, for these children was the faithful witness opposed to the gospel of salvation by faith knew how to love their wives and care for of their father and mother. Marianne taught alone. But more than this, the Bishop began them as true Christian gentlemen should. them thoroughly, and served as a model for to interfere in CMS affairs, resenting the fact Given that their father had died young, it the responsibilities of marriage and parent- that the missionaries received their instruc- must surely have been their mother—and hood. Their children walked after them as tions from England. He believed he should possibly their cousin Edward Marsh—who Christians; as godly farmers, judges, legis- have sole jurisdiction over them. After some had taught them how to be good husbands. lators, clergymen; and as husbands, wives years of friction things came to a head when But nevertheless, Marianne was a wonderful and parents. It is no surprise, given this, that Selwyn disputed some land purchases Henry wife. She was whole-hearted in her support the Williams family have been prominent as had made from the Maori some ten years for Henry’s missionary calling, and worked leaders and examples in New Zealand soci- before. Henry had been concerned about the hard to prepare herself for the practical ety as the generations have passed on. future of his children in New Zealand. They tasks she would need to undertake in New had come, as a family, for good; and were Zealand. She was obviously prepared to be Standing by her man determined to make their lives permanently flexible, accepting sudden changes in plan I love many aspects of Marianne’s story. in this country. He himself was supported and circumstance without fretting. She could While she gave up much in leaving England by the CMS, but if his sons did not take up endure sickness, domestic discomforts, with her husband and three small children, missionary work themselves, they would and material sacrifice without complaint. expecting never to see her home again, God need another source of livelihood. So he The continual call on her resources for the was good to her. What He asked her to relin- purchased land, at what was deemed at demands of hospitality was heavy—but it quish, He gave her back in abundant good the time a fair price (and was later deemed was were part of her calling as a missionary, measure. Perhaps you are an immigrant to to be so, upon investigation). Selwyn cor- and she was a cheerful hostess. All sorts this country? Do you yearn for the home responded, without Henry’s knowledge, with of people came into her home, from Maori and the loved ones you left behind? Do you the CMS in England over the matter, and chiefs to the newly-arrived English Resident; worry about the future of your children in insisted that Henry be dismissed. In the end, and later, Bishop Selwyn and his wife. Her your adopted home? So little seems certain after representation (it turned out, on false home was often a crowded one, with the in this life. For sure, your situation has not
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involved the sacrifices Marianne made: we God, the giver of all we have. Take hold of to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30) have air travel, telephones and email. But the big picture of life, the one that includes consider her walk of faith; tell yourself the eternity—not just today. Develop of clear Note: If you would like to read more about things she told herself; make her choices, sense of your calling in life, one that will keep the lives of Henry and Marianne, these two adopt her attitudes and look to the future as you going even when others question your books will encourage you greatly: Letters she, before you, has done. Are you a wife choices. Make Marianne’s source of strength from the Bay of Islands: The Story of Mari- whose husband is facing disappointment, yours too, and remember these words: anne Williams, [contains many extracts from unjust treatment—perhaps redundancy or Charm is deceitful, and beauty is her letters] edited by Caroline Fitzgerald; and some other trial? Stand by him, as Marianne vain, Te Wiremu: A Biography of Henry Williams, did. Be a pillar of encouragement: give him But a woman who fears the LORD is by Lawrence M. Rogers courage by your lack of complaint. Look to
A trip around the ancient walls of Jerusalem Beginning at the Sheep Gate
Patricia van Laar miah to be learnt by the Christian about the ing. There is a certain amount of uncertainty Lord Jesus, and about ourselves too in all about these walls. At the time of Nehemiah, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, the ways that Paul, quoted above, mentioned they had been destroyed by Nebuchadnez- and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, in his letter to Timothy; teaching, rebuke, zar (587 BC.) In later historical times they for correction, for instruction in righteous- correction, training in righteousness, as the were destroyed by Antiochus IV (restored by ness, that the man of God may be perfect, N.I.V words it. Herod) and again by Titus the Roman, in 70 thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” So what do the gates suggest to us? AD. So it is not surprising that doubt remains 2 Tim. 3: 16,17 (A.V.) Teaching from the building of the wall be- as to the exact outline of the walls, and Did you find the trip around imaginary tween the gates also gives us more than a as to which gates were in the external city walls of Palmerston North as confusing as I hint of the response that Christians should walls, and which led into the Temple area. would have found a description of the same make to the lessons learnt. Nehemiah mentions two extra gates in the around, say, Hamilton? The order was ran- latter part of his book. Some commentators dom, starting near the cemetery, following a Our journey have suggested that these may have been haphazard collection of parks and buildings, The building of the walls of Jerusalem internal gates, and so were omitted from the and finishing with the airport and hospital, present some problems for our understand- record of the external ones in chapter three. not so much order, as out of order! Will a trip around the walls of Jerusalem be like that too? God is an orderly God - He does not do things randomly or haphazardly, so we can expect a sense of direction in His description of the ancient walls. And Jesus told two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, that in all the Scriptures were things concerning Himself. Therefore we should also look for Him in this. As we begin our trip around the walls, we shall pay special attention to Nehemiah’s record in chapter 3, of the ancient gates. We shall observe the repairs to the gates, the people who did the work, the position of each gate, and the purpose, known or surmised, of each. The walls themselves may seem grey and dull, but encased in the whole are beautiful gems, encrusted ready for those with a will to chip until they are discovered, and their glowing colours and glory are revealed. As in all Scripture, there is much in Nehe-
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Neither does Nehemiah indicate general of the Father, that His Son should be the The wall direction or changes of direction. Further, offering for sin. “The One who passed The men of Jericho built the next section of the names of some gates have changed through that gate was the only one who has the wall. These men came from the place from time to time. So it is that a Bible aid ever lived in complete dedication to His God. of a curse (Jericho) to a place of blessing such as The New Bible Dictionary (IVF), for “ ( H. Ironside) (Jerusalem). We may come to this first gate example, labels its illustration “probable Now, in the Christian life, this is the very from the way of the curse of sin, into the location of walls”. place where followers of the Lord must be- way of blessing, the way of forgiveness, re- There is no doubt, however, about the gin. The Prophet Isaiah (53: 7) was given an demption, reconciliation. Anyone attempting order given in Nehemiah’s account. The understanding of the Saviour when he wrote, to enter in any way but through trust in His detail given in his book strengthens our “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter…” sacrifice, will fall flat on his back, still on the confidence that his is an accurate record of How much this meant to the prophet is not outside. We must enter by way of the Sheep the gates repaired by his workers. Neverthe- clear to us, for the prophets frequently spoke Gate. This comes first. less, we can be certain of the positions of beyond their own knowledge and understand- So, this is the starting place for our some of the gates. These are sufficient to ing. John the Baptist seven hundred years journey through eternal Life. Can we see indicate that Nehemiah’s order followed an later had further revelation when he pointed that it is clearly shown by the first gate into anti-clockwise direction from the first men- to Jesus and said, “Look, the Lamb of God Jerusalem? tioned, and this is the direction we will go who takes away the sins of the world.” (John Do we see Him in the Garden of Geth- in our imaginary encircling of the city. Owing 1: 29) God had shown the Baptist that this semene, dreading to go through the Sheep to the undulating ground, the walls were not wonderful cousin of his, was the one who Gate, praying to His Father that if possible, built in an exact square. Like Nehemiah, we would go through the ‘Sheep Gate’ on His He might avoid it? begin at The Sheep Gate in the northeast, way to die. How else could He take away the Do we see Him, a crown of thorns pressed and move westward. sins of the world? on His head, scourged, mocked, suffering? Do we see Him led as a sheep to the Why did God begin His record at the Our trip starts slaughter, wounded for our transgressions, Sheep Gate? It is fitting that we begin our journey here, for bruised for our iniquities, bearing our sins An intriguing question! What is the signifi- did not our salvation, our new life begin at in His own body on the tree? cance of starting at an animal gate? What this very gate? If we would enter the City of Do we see The Gate of the Sacrificial are we told about this gate? God, we must enter by means of none other Lamb? We are told that the Sheep Gate was than the Sheep Gate. Jesus said, “I am the Have we gazed at it? rebuilt and dedicated, the doors set in way, the truth and the life. No man comes John Bunyan, in his incomparable book place and the walls built to the Tower of the to the Father but by Me.” ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’, wrote: Christian ran Hundred (Meah) and the Tower of Hananel. He also said, “I am the gate.” John 10: 9 till he came to a place somewhat ascending, Most of the subsequent gates have a similar (A.V. “door”). Usually this metaphorical claim and upon that place stood a cross, and a account, but this is the only gate where the is interpreted as the gate of a sheepfold. Nor little below, a sepulchre… He looked there- writer speaks of a dedication. There was is this interpretation wrong. Those who know fore, and looked again, even till the springs something very special about this gate! the method of eastern shepherds in Bib- that were in his head sent the waters down The identification of our starting point is lical days, tell us that at night the shepherd his cheeks… fairly certain, as the Pool of Bethesda has himself would lie in the gateway and act as Then Christian gave three leaps for joy, been discovered in archaeology. In the Gos- a door to prevent thieves and wild animals and went on, singing: pel of John (5: 2) we read that the Pool was from entering in and stealing the sheep. So Thus far did I come, laden with my near the Sheep Gate. The siting of the pool it was in this context Jesus added, “I am the sin; establishes, therefore, that the Sheep Gate door of the sheep.” But is it beyond the range Nor could ought ease the grief that can be placed in approximately the North- of symbolism to think also of the Sheep Gate I was in, east corner of the wall. The line of the wall in connection with this saying? Till I came hither: What a place is ran westward via the Towers of Hammeah Let us also turn back to John 5, and think this? and Hananel, so we can follow this anti- again about the palsied man. This palsied Must here be the beginning of my clockwise direction. This places the Sheep man was healed close to the Sheep Gate. bliss? Gate in close proximity to the Temple. The Son of God brought healing in His wings. Must here the burden fall from off What was the purpose of this gate? This was a purpose of His – healing. But my back, even more, for here eternity was at stake Must here the strings that bound me A Priestly Gate - “Stop sinning or something worse may to it crack? The gate was the one through which the happen to you.” Blest Cross! Blest Sepulchre! Blest sheep of sacrifice were brought into the city Every word in Scripture is inspired and rather be and the temple. All of these animals came important. John specifically noted that the The Man that there was put to shame through it. So it was appropriate that the palsied man was healed at the Pool of for me! high priest Eliashib and the other priests Bethesda, close to the Sheep Gate. Perhaps were responsible for its repair, for the gate Jesus was thinking of the special significance opened to what was a priestly work. How of the gate when he said, after healing the noteworthy it is, then, that this is the only man, “Go, and stop sinning, or something gate where the writer speaks of a dedication. worse may happen to you.” For only at the For the gate suggests the will and purpose Sheep Gate is there forgiveness.
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Mission in focus Janice Reid
Opportunities abound the whole world and cultures, yet detect a strong bond of round! unity as to the message proclaimed and What about Ask your session or contact the OMB for professed in daily life! The conference theme the Survey booklet published recently by The Lordship of Christ offered much to think you? the ICRC. It shows where member churches about, to stir us to action inside and outside have mission workers, and where you could the church. To what extent does it play a possibly use your skills for a longer or role in the lives of Christians and in that of shorter term. the Church as the body of believers? The by Rev. John Goris Of course, all these challenges are not Lordship of Christ means the death-knell to only found overseas. At home too you can self-importance, both as individuals and as Perhaps you have finished your schooling (at use and/or gain cross-cultural experience church. Too often our selfish, limited wisdom long last?). Now what’s next? to reach out with the Gospel. Although mis- plays a major role as to our beliefs and their Have you been wondering about some sions abroad has its fascination, the real joy application. meaningful way of serving the Lord over- of inter-cultural communication boosts our There is no doubt that the Christian seas? Mind you, there are also many chal- sense of the vastness of and variety in the Church in the continents of Africa and Asia lenges nearer home! church of the Lord Jesus Christ. It makes that is growing rapidly. What about the West? sentence of the Creed a greater reality: I be- What about our own RCNZ? Is consumer- Perhaps you are about to retire and you feel lieve one holy catholic (universal) church. ism holding the Western church back? Are fit enough to tackle something totally dif- Something of that togetherness in the we too man-centred in practice, even if we ferent, something like a stint of short-term Lord was experienced at the ICRC conference are Christ-centred in our preaching and assistance on the mission field, teaching in Pretoria, South Africa, in October 2005. teaching? English, for instance. The ICRC (International Conference of Delegates testified to the grace of God in Reformed Churches) is primarily a gathering their region, both in small beginnings (e.g. Perhaps you are nowhere near retirement of likeminded churches of Reformed/Pres- Sweden, Spain) or in bigger, more phenom- yet, but you have studied a foreign language, byterian conviction. It provides opportunities enal growth in places like Nigeria and the say Portuguese. You would like to apply your for the various delegates of churches to Congo. And let’s not lose sight of the growth understanding of the Scriptures in a different challenge each other about the spread and despite persecution in such areas as Eritrea, context, using your skills and experiences, defense of the Gospel in their region. Myanmar, and Indonesia. plus the knowledge of that other language What a wonderful thing it is to meet fellow We had the privilege of having a young in a country like Brazil. Christians from such a variety of countries lady from Ivory Coast (see picture) in our
R-L: Rev JH Dawxon (ARP, USA); F Gomez (Reformed Churches of Spain); Rev D Bergman (Evangelical Reformed Church of Sweden)
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The work of the Missions Committee Janice Reid appreciates your prayer as she received a good overhaul at the conference gets established in her work in a country that and a better representation was proposed is antagonistic to the Gospel. Janice’s work and adopted. Each main region will be involves teaching Christian radio announcers represented by at least two delegates, viz. how to produce programmes that are suit- Asia/Australasia (Korea and Indonesia); Af- able for their local communities, and a good rica (Congo and South Africa); the Americas testimony of Christian life and faith. Pray for (Canada, USA and Latin America) and Europe clear thinking and communication as Janice (Scotland and Holland). The Survey booklet maps out a plan for training new announcers, compiled by Mr Mark Bube was highly appre- and for visiting stations on different islands ciated and will serve as a welcome guide for to provide individualised help. young and old, mission board and session. It makes us aware of the numerous places all Jared Berends continues his ministry of over the world where missions are conducted teaching English in a restricted country. by member churches of the ICRC. Please pray for him as he works with a local Even if we are only a small cog in a wheel, fellowship to help Christian leaders as they it is the wheel that makes the history of the grow in the knowledge of God; and as he world go round at the direction of the Maker. helps new believers to understand the need We can pray for the coming of the Kingdom, for personal involvement in evangelism. and participate to speed its coming (2 Peter 3:12; and LD 48). Heidi Posthuma is still busy teaching English What about you? to more than 1,000 students each week in a closed country. Pray for strength and health, and also for opportunities as Heidi seeks to do Bible studies with individuals MIF prayer notes who have expressed an interest in learning more about her faith. Walter and Jeannette Hagoort ask for our prayers as they settle back into work in Port Kevin and Machi Rietveld and Jack and Moresby, Papua New Guinea, after their Trudy Visser in the Solomons are grateful for Rev Tom Tyson with the lady mentioned in home assignment in NZ. Pray for fruitfulness our prayers. They are keeping busy with many the article in their work, both at Mapang Guest Home, projects, including ongoing Bible studies with and also as they assist with the rapidly-grow- prison inmates. Please pray for spiritual fruit midst who testified in song to the multi-na- ing Reformed Churches of PNG. Ask our in all their work. tional and multi-cultural worship of heaven as blessed Father to help the leaders of this recorded in the book of Revelation: “Worthy fledgling church to grow in grace and in the is the Lamb!” knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Books in focus
‘A King’s Bible’ clearly convey a language that can be understood, without the aid or interpre- by Michael Drake tation of a pastor. To use a Bible we can understand is to stand in the tradition The King James, or Authorized Version as of believers who over the centuries it’s also known, is one of the great Bible gave their time and talent, sometimes translations, loved and cherished by many lost their lives because of it, so that English speaking Christians. “A King’s people like us can read and understand Bible” examines and exposes several myths the Bible message today. “A King’s in the context of the religious- and political Bible” explains that it was the King’s background of the 17th Century Church. The desire to suppress Puritan theology rich language and history of the KJV helps and anything in favour of Calvinism the reader to evaluate its merits and make was to be omitted from the marginal a clear choice which Bible to use. The KJV notes, as the Calvinists had used has earned the respect of generations of this technique to good effect in the Christians, but the kind of English it rep- Genevan Bible, a translation from resents is debatable. late in the century before. The author explains that a Bible must ‘A King’s Bible’ tells the story of
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the time in which this bible was translated I was very skeptical and pre-judged it as the material well to make it interesting and with all its political- and religious intrigue “just another commentary on the KJV.” well-presented. The questions create good and infighting within the Anglican Church. It But in reading this book, I found a total dif- discussions in helping to understand the shows how the King James’ Version was his ferent picture. It’s a book well researched, text. The study is suitable to be led by others version - written in an upper class English, informative, interesting and easy to read. It in the group. To get something out of it, it manipulated and dictated by the King to reflects clearly the problems we are having is important to put the time and effort into his own advantage. The author describes with the KJV. But, on the other hand, God the study preparation.” in detail how the KJV came in to being and has used these men to give the people of the reasons why this upper class English England a Bible. “A King’s Bible” was a real “Writing a short answer ‘on the dotted line,’ was used. It’s a translation which is hard to eye opener to me. There are a lot of things adequate for most other study booklets, read, especially for a person like me, who we simply don’t know. I’ve only one serious was never enough for The Life of Joy. I ap- has adopted English as a second language. recommendation: Read it! preciated the way we were forced to dig There is so much argument about the dis- deeply to unearth gems of wisdom written tinction between accurate and inaccurate Reviewed by Hans Voschezang not only for the saints at Philippi, but for all translation. When we discuss today’s Bible Christians in every generation.” translators, we insist on godly people who are specialists in their particular fields of Michael Drake is an elder of the “I have found this study very encouraging Bible translation and we are skeptical when Tamaki Reformed Baptist Church and and challenging. The questions through we find out that there are secular linguistics Principal of Carey College. Theology, each chapter made me focus on what the involved. But we tend to overlook the kind of History and English Literature are Bible is saying to me and how I need to people who were involved in the translation among areas of special interest. His live. Throughout the study the author brings of the KJV. In chapter 6 you will find some published works include: In God’s world out Paul’s incredible commitment to Christ, revealing character references. (a Christian curriculum) and Maori and the need for us to check out where our When I started reading “A King’s Bible” Culture in a Christian World View. focus is.”
“This was an excellent Bible study. The ques- tions were thought-provoking and created some worthwhile discussions. It would also The Life of Joy – Getting to Know Philippians be very suitable for men.” A Bible Study by Sally Davey “I really enjoyed this study for a number of (Reviewed by the Pukekohe Women’s Bible Study group) reasons. It is an in-depth study of one epistle of We have had the privilege of using The Life of again, rejoice!” (Phil.4:4) the Bible so by the end of the study you feel Joy over 2005, and appreciated the studies Sally Davey helps us realise that Philip- you understand the book better. so much we decided to write a review. pians, such a small book, covers every It is written by someone I know and It was an opportunity for us to study the aspect of Christian living…peace, joy, unity respect so I don’t have to worry about book of Philippians in depth, and the circum- in Christ, encouragement, humility, thankful- strange teachings and incorrect doctrine. stances of the apostle Paul and the Philip- ness… Paul’s total commitment to Christ, The questions are well thought out and pian Christians at the time it was written. and his selflessness in putting others’ needs lead to good discussion. Many studies have Paul is imprisoned in Rome, dependent before his own, shines through. He continues yes/no questions or comprehension ques- on outside help for his very survival. Yet to rejoice through all his troubles. In Philip- tions only. Sally Davey’s questions make he is not despondent, but thanks God for pians 2:5-7 he writes, you think. everything and encourages others to do the “Your attitude should be the same as that It is a study that isn’t really a women’s same. His example encourages us to be of Christ Jesus: study. Anyone could use it and benefit from strong in the faith, no matter what comes Who, being in very nature God, did not it but you have to put the work into preparing to pass. He is content in all circumstances, consider equality with God a thing to be to get the most out of it. as we should be. grasped, but made himself nothing, taking It there is one thing I’ve learnt personally, One of our ladies took a memory verse the very nature of a servant, being made in it is again the reminder to “…be content from each chapter of Philippians: human likeness.” whatever the circumstances” (Phil.4:11b). “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves These verses, at the heart of the Gospel, This is because our focus is to “…press on in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” explain what motivated Paul as he wrote the toward the goal to win the prize for which (Phil. 1:27a) letter to the Philippians. Sally’s study guide, God has called me heavenward in Christ “Do everything without complaining or The Life of Joy, encouraged us to search Jesus (Phil.3:14). arguing.” (Phil. 2:14) every aspect of this motivation and apply it This study book is a great encouragement “Forgetting what is behind and straining to our own lives. to get our focus and perspective as Chris- toward what is ahead, I press on toward Below are some comments from mem- tians right. Thank you Sally for bringing out the goal to win the prize for which God has bers of our study group: the treasures in this book so well.” called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13b-14) “I have thoroughly enjoyed the study on Philip- “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it pians by Sally Davey. She has researched
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Focus on home
Kir-sten Yvette de Vries, together with our grounds to show that TVNZ breached broad- Gleanings parents Harold & Adrienne and Roy & casting standards by showing this material. Michele invite you to join in celebrating our If you saw this video and also want to make marriage on the 25th of March 2006 at the a complaint, feel free to ask for a copy of from our Reformed Church of Christchurch at 1.00 pm my letter. MF. and afterwards for supper at Bramble Grove, bulletins… 19 The Old North Road, Kaiapoi at 8.00 pm. Dunedin No RSVP necessary. Seniors’ Meeting. On Thursday 2 February it will be time again to meet in the church The sixty forward camp. The 2006 camp Andrew Reinders hall at 10:30 am for a time of fellowship. We will DV be held from Tuesday 7 – Friday trust that all you seniors have been waiting 10 March 2006 at Hanmer Springs Forest to start again and that you will be there. If Bishopdale Camp. This is the 11th year of coming to- Wedding Announcement: The Lord Willing you think that you can no longer be part of gether as a group of seniors of our churches and no lawful objections arising, Michelle it, let us know. We are even willing to collect for a few days of relaxation and fellowship. Braam and Anton Posthuma will be united you and take you to the church and carry you We walk, talk, we rest and swim, and laugh a in marriage on 11 February, 1:30 pm @ ‘St in. Looking forward to seeing you all. We will lot together and underneath there is always Andrews at Rangi Ruru’ 21 Merivale Lane, be your hosts. Dini & Peter Braam the common bond of Christian faith and love Christchurch. The wedding celebrant will be binding us together. A warm welcome to Andrew, Lydia, Arwen, Robert van Wichen. Corrin and Kenrick Nugteren! The Nugterens Pastoral wedding banns: Nicholas Alberts Pastoral. David & Andrea Benfell will present arrived on Tuesday and will spend this week and Kirsten Dam have signified their desire their daughter, Livinia, for baptism on 26 settling into their new environs whilst also to be united in marriage in this church on February in the morning service. hosting family members from North America Saturday 25 February 2006. If there are for a few days this week. Andrew commences no lawful objections, the ceremony will take his vicariate with us next week. Bucklands Beach place at 1.30 pm on that date. Church picnic. Our first outing for the year Church Picnic. A church picnic is planned will be held on 18 February with the whole Dovedale for tomorrow, Waitangi Day, commencing congregation invited to a picnic on Eastern Men’s group: It’s time to start up our men’s at approximately 10:00 am. The venue is Beach. Please bring your own meat for BBQ group again on Saturday mornings at 8.00 McKerrow Bridge Fields on Whare Flat Road. with salads and desserts to share. We will a.m. We will be working through the discus- If approached from the Taieri end the Fields meet at the end of Eastern Beach from sion questions in Steve Farrar’s book Finish- are on the right hand side soon after the 5:00pm onwards with the BBQ starting ing Strong. The group is open to all men who end of the asphalt. There are toilets, shallow around 6:00pm. would like to come and join with us. The first water for paddlers and, at a distance, deeper meeting will be on Saturday 25th February water for swimming. Please bring sports Christchurch (M. Flinn to provide breakfast – please let gear, bathers, towels, plenty of food, and a The elders met in mid-December last year me know if you are coming!!). portable barbecue if possible. with Megan Van Leeuwen, Claire Chapman, Nicole Dirkze, Danielle Bangma, and David Ladies Walk: Time to walk again. Hill walk Foxton Kent to discuss with them their desire to this Monday 13th February 2006, Where: An invitation: The congregation is invited to publicly profess their faith. On 12 February Meet by carpark opposite Princess Margaret come and celebrate the 80th birthday of Wies d.v. we look forward with joy to witnessing Hospital on Cashmere Road at 7.30pm. We van Echten. An afternoon tea is being held on their individual professions before God and will have a coffee afterwards. All welcome. Monday 6th Feb at the Masonic Village Café His people and their friends. Let us give Sue van Garderen in Levin. (located on corner of Arapaepae Rd thanks to a merciful God and Father who From the Pastor: Muslims around the world and Queen St – 1st entrance from town). The works in the hearts and lives of His people, have reacted strongly to the publication of celebration will run from 2 – 6pm. bringing them to a conviction of God’s sav- cartoons depicting Mohammed, the founder ing grace, believing the Bible is the Word of Marriage banns: Congregation, Graeme of their religion, in a derogatory light. Some God revealing Christ and His redemption, Zuidema and Amanda Van Echten have in- of you may have noticed the coverage of accepting and affirming their union with dicated their desire to be united in marriage. this story by TV1’s Close-up in which a Christ, and their promise with the help of They want to begin their life together in the blasphemous and insulting video clip was the Holy Spirit to strengthen their love and name of the Lord and in the presence of shown depicting Jesus as a pop singer and commitment to Christ. Please pray for them His people, and continue it to His glory. If a stripper, who, while singing the words “I that we all may be encouraged in the great there are no lawful objections, the ceremony will survive…” was run over by a bus. I have things God has done and continues to do in will take place at St Andrews Presbyterian made a formal complaint to TVNZ about this each of our lives. Church, Levin, on Saturday the 25th February, and if I am unsatisfied with their response, at 3:30 pm. Wedding invitation. It is with great joy and will refer the matter to the Broadcasting thanksgiving that we Peter Braam and Standards Authority. I believe there are Session meeting report – 30th January 2006:
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This first meeting of the year was held at the whole church community and have extended Palmerston North home of br Allan Thomson. After the usual the invitation to Hukanui Church as well. The Open Invitation to celebrate Shirley Ronsons opening the elders had a discussion with date for this is Sunday 26th of February. We 80th Birthday! Everyone is invited to celebrate Jonathan van Echten and David van Echten, will meet at Parana Park, Memorial Drive the 80th birthday of Shirley, on Saturday 11th since they had both expressed a desire by the childrens play area at 1pm. Bring a February, 7.00pm at Harmony House. Please to publicly profess their faith. Session is picnic lunch and something to sit on. (Post- contribute a plate of goodies, and if you pleased to advise that they gave a good ponement date in case of bad weather - 5th would like to provide some entertainment or account of themselves and will therefore March). All are welcome, so please join us! share something inspired by Shirley, please do their public Profession of Faith on Sun- Thank you - Jackie Hemmes advise Marcelle. Please pick up an invitation th day 12 February DV during the morning with the details in the foyer. service. Hastings We have the privilege and the blessing of From the Mission Committee. Today, after witnessing and taking part in the baptism of Hamilton the morning service Bob and Anne Bruinsma Ruby Maaike Reitsma this morning. She will Advance notice of 8-week dvd presentation. will give a presentation to the congregation. receive the sign and seal of God’s covenant This is to advice that, the Lord willing, be- Bob and Anne are from Blacktown in Sydney. love in the administration of the sacrament. ginning Tuesday 14 February we will show a They are the co-directors for the Crossroad We pray for the Lord’s richest blessings and DVD called “Amazing Grace, the history and Bible Institute (CBI) in Australia. This is an her parents, Eeuwe and Rachael, as they theology of Calvinism” in approximately half- organisation which assists to establish Bible raise her and their children for the Lord. an- hour sessions each over 8 subsequent study with prison inmates via mail. CBI sub- Tuesdays in the church. This DVD shows us scribes to the Christian faith of “Scripture Pukekohe the history and the theology of the Reformed alone, Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone The Willemse family arrived on Monday 16 faith. Watching and listening, you will learn and to God alone be glory.” January and have settled into the church and appreciate what it means to be a “Refor- manse and organised themselves. We mation” Christian and why it is so important North Shore extend a warm (written) welcome to Michael to hold on to what was rediscovered at the At last Sunday's congregational meeting and Gea and to their children, Hannah, Reformation. The presentations will start we voted, without dissent if not quite unani- Abigail, Yvette, Michael and Josiah, and a at approximately 8.30pm and coincide with mously, to accept the Vicariate Committee's baby due to arrive, DV. in July. We trust this the catechism class of the older youth. request to give brother Pieter van Huyssteen will be an enjoyable and helpful year for Everybody, young and older, is urged to keep a vicariate this year. At the time of writing Michael especially, but also for the whole these evenings free and attend. Pieter was still in Taranaki visiting his wife's family, and we hope all of you will soon feel sister. We are making preparations to get Bare knowledge. The bare knowledge of at home in the congregation. We also pray that underway as from the beginning of God's will is inefficacious, it does not bet- that this vicariate year will be of mutual March. ter the heart. Knowledge alone is like a blessing to you as a family and to us as a winter sun, which has no heat or influence; Baptism: In case we have missed it over congregation. it does not warm the affections, or purify the holiday period, congratulations to Johan From the Pastor: Last week I reflected on the conscience. Judas was a great luminary, & Elbie Baker on the birth of their daughter, the various services Harriet and I attended nd he knew God's will, but he was a traitor. Leyla, on 2 January. We rejoice with you and while on holidays. We noticed how difficult it ThomasWatson thank the Lord that all is well. Lord willing, was to find a church that had an afternoon Leyla will be baptised next Sunday in the Profession of Faith: With great thankful- or evening service. Most churches only morning Service. ness and a joyful heart we commit Melissa had one morning service or perhaps two Klinkhamer and David Klinkhamer to our Lord Church Photo: A church photo is being morning services. The practice of having a and Saviour as they will publicly profess their planned for February the 19th after the second service at the end of the day seems faith in the Lord Jesus this morning and be morning service. The best site for the photo to have lapsed for many churches and those received in full communion with the people seems to be downstairs on the grass area which have kept this up often find it poorly of God, and the full life of this church’s between the church and the lake. So wear attended. Yet this second service is a good fellowship. We thank God for His grace in your Sunday dress. See Frank with any habit to maintain. Coming to worship is a Jesus the Messiah to give you this desire enquiries. command of the Lord and is a privilege and and pray that He may continue to carry on a blessing to us. Beginning and ending the Men’s Bush Bash: For all men and able- the good work He has begun in you unto the day with worship gives us two opportunities bodied sons. A day tramp up to the top day of complete redemption. May all of us to praise the Lord and helps us to keep our of the Pinnacles and down is tentatively who confessed Your name never cease to mind of the Lord throughout the day and. It planned for the 18th of March 2006. The wonder what You have done for us. Help us idea is to leave from church on Saturday to continue firmly in the faith, to bear witness morning (early - 7:30 am) and arrive at the Book wanted to Your love and to let the Holy Spirit shape Kauerunga Valley car park about 1½ hours I am seeking a book by P.Y. de Jong, entitled, our lives. Take us, good Shepherd, into your later. On a clear day, this tramp offers “The Church’s Witness To The World”. It is a care that we may loyally endure opposition some of the most spectacular world-class commentary on the Belgic Confession of Faith and in serving You. views available to us, not to mention some is published by Padeia Press. If you can help me Church picnic. The Sunday school teachers hilarity along the way! Please contact Frank with this please write to me: Albert Reitsma. 841 would like to initiate a church picnic for the for more details. Poplar Rd, R.D. 4 Opiki, Palmerston North
21 faith in focus Volume 33/3, April 2006
Our student at the Lord provided abundantly. We saw the (which is a sister church to the RCNZ) as sovereign provision of God in supplying well as within the CRCA. RTC furniture and essentials for the house `For David, juggling study, family and which we rented. A Christian couple work commitments has been a constant David Waldron is a member of the Re- graciously gave us their piano, which has challenge in Australia. In the book of formed Church of Palmerston North and been a constant source of blessing as Romans, Paul speaks of his weaknesses, is currently in his last semester of study we sing from our Psalter Hymnals after and the difficulties he has faced. He recog- at the Reformed Theological College. family devotions. nises that the power of Christ is displayed After commuting between Palmerston Reflecting on God’s goodness towards in his weakness ‘For when I am weak, then North and Geelong for a semester, David us gave us courage as we went through I am strong’ (2 Cor 12:10). In the last few and the rest of the Waldron family re- the many difficult adjustments which the years, the Lord has pushed David beyond located to Australia in order for David move involved. We have always educated his own capabilities to a place where he to complete his studies for the Ministry. our children at home, so fortunately there has had to rely on the grace of God alone. It was a relief to be back together per- was much less change in this area than Sola Deo Gloria. manently with his lovely wife Jenny and would have been the case if they had David has been grateful for the oppor- their seven blessings from the Lord attended an external school. Jenny and tunity to study at the RTC. The integration – Naomi, Zipporah, Elijah, Josiah, Vashti, the children have experienced the strain of exegesis and preaching courses at the Isaac and Solomon. of supporting David, of reduced financial College has been particularly valuable. Moving house often puts a family circumstances in an expensive country, Class sizes have been small, enabling under pressure; this was certainly the and of often feeling like aliens in a strange plenty of lively interaction with the lec- case for the Waldrons as they arrived in land. Most people in Victoria don’t even turers and other students! David is actively the Western Island of New Zealand with know who the All Blacks are! involved with the Student Representa- 43 pieces of luggage and began the We have all experienced the pres- tive Council, and Jenny with the Student search for a (large) vehicle and a place to sure of changes to church, friends, food, Ladies Association. live. Have you not found that it is when our climate and lifestyle. However, we have At the time of writing, the Waldrons are lives are in the greatest turmoil that we been blessed with finding music les- hoping to work with Australian Indigenous see the Lord’s hand so much more clearly sons and activities close to home for Ministries (AIM) for the second half of at work? This was certainly the case for the children; the oldest four of whom 2006. Aboriginal Christian leaders are the Waldron whanau. have also found part-time jobs. We have asking for theological education so that Finding a vehicle and a house large appreciated the support, friendship and they can go out and train their own people enough for a growing family of 9, in a encouragement of the congregation of the to preach the gospel and build up their country where having more than three Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia churches. There are a number AIM staff children puts you firmly into the ‘weird’ (PCEA) in Geelong. David has been given in the Northern Territory, where David category, is no mean feat. However, the many opportunities to preach in the PCEA and family hope to be able to go and work alongside some of the missionaries there. We will all miss the friends we have made in Geelong (some of whom have already returned to New Zealand), and also the warm dry weather which characterises so much of Australia. However, all the family are very much looking forward to coming home to New Zealand and plan to attend Family Camp at the end of 2006. David is excited by the prospect of a vicariate within the RCNZ which would start early in 2007.
To help you identify each of us in the photo we are (from left to right): Solomon (3), Jenny, David, Josiah (12), Zipporah (15), Elijah (13), Isaac (5), Naomi (17) and Vashti (7).
22 Volume 33/3, April 2006 faith in focus
gives us another time to fellowship together and to consider God’s word and its appli- cation to our lives. It is encouraging to see Letter to the Editor many of you here for both services each Sunday. The Holy Spirit urges us through Your Feb. 2006 by Berwyn Hoyt is a really think the perpetrators believed the the Scriptures; “Let us not give up meeting very timely one, as I have only just law gave them free rein to inflict torture, together, as some are in the habit of doing, noticed that the taxpayers are at present so that they would never be charged or but let us encourage one another – and all funding, through the Ministry of Social convicted? Come off it! the more as you see the Day approaching.” Development (“Social Stagnation” or Only a few months ago, I was disgusted (Heb 10:25). “Social Degeneration” would be far more to learn that our own great Plunket Society, Session report: (Meeting of Tuesday 7th of descriptive) a number of pamphlets in so justly famed for a century of wonderful February 2006). The session interviewed favour of abolishing parents’ rights to work for mothers and children, has been Warrick Loveday who has expressed the corporal punishment of their children, which brainwashed into supporting all these desire to profess his faith in the Lord is called “hitting” them. A petition to repeal socialist/anarchist/nihilist tactics to Jesus and join the church as a member. Section 59 is also being sponsored. destroy the family and marriage - the aim After an encouraging discussion with him the I only wish there were a concerted of this Labour Government. Overthrowing session is pleased to give him the oppor- effort to reprint and widely distribute Mr parents’ authority is all part of the tunity to do this. Hoyt’s excellent article as a countermove. strategy. Reasonable parents, guardians The pamphlets include a lot of emotional and teachers have always tried gentler Wellington and illogical rot about some recent methods where they will work; but with Welcome to Vincent Leander Marinus who infamous cases of little children’s deaths kids who don’t understand any other was born on the 4th of this month. He came after horrible cruelty - as though these language, I’ve long said, as a last resort, at his own pace and was received with great crimes would not have been perpetrated “Tan their a...s!” joy and gratitude by his parents Jonathan if the parents/guardians had not been and Kelly. legally allowed to use reasonable force to H. Westfold, Wellington. discipline their children. Did the writers Church outing. Please mark next Saturday – 28th January in your dia- ries. We will meet at 10am at Kaitoke Regional Park (gathering in the same area we did last year – see map below). From there those who want to will go for a one hour easy walk (buggy friendly), then return to base to have a picnic lunch together. There are coin operated BBQ’s for your use. There is a cost of $1 per person to use the area. Please bring that with you and we will collect it there. Any questions see Diane. Congratulations to Nathan and Miriam on the new arrival into their family: a brother for Martha! His name? Johannes Wybe! He was born last Wednesday by c-section. Mother and son are doing well, and father...... you can guess it!
National Youth Camp – 2007 To help with the organising of this camp we would like to locate the location of any trophies which have been used at previous national camps. If you know of the whereabouts of any of these. Could you please contact Ryan Nugteren at [email protected], providing details of the trophy and how it has been used at past camps.
23 National Youth Camp If there is one thing arriving at camp late it’s turning up and it’s raining. Which starts to make you think, “Man, I hope the weather is going to be better that this!” And it was. You could not have asked for better weather at such a greatly organised and super-fantastic camp. There were so many things organised for the week it was a huge task for the com- mittee. And there were the studies, led by Rev. John Ter Horst, about what it means to be “Called to Serve” and how God has equipped each and every one of us to wit- ness to others in the way we live our lives. There were also the sports, which were riveting and full of excitement. And the masked dinner, where everybody had to come to dinner wearing a mask. There were some very interesting ones out there. The ‘serve-reach’ was huge. The whole camp, apart from 40 people, jumped onto buses and were taken to different areas where they could “serve-reach” to the people we did the work for. It was a great way to wit- ness to these people in the way we worked and talked as a huge team. We also had a talent quest, where we had a number of contestants both talented and maybe not-so-talented, performing their various pieces. Some were amazing, some were comical, and it was a great night. For me, the main event was the Cowboys & Indians feast/Barn dance. It was set up outside in the beautiful sun, perfect for bar- beques and barn-dancing. There were many people dressed as cowboys and Indians and there was also a cactus, horse, and convicts—tied together with a ball and chain. The barn-dancing was spectacular—a great way to mix with everybody. All in all the camp was great and I can’t wait for the next one. I’ll see you there!
Jeremy Posthuma