Save Me For I Am Yours Your Sister in Indonesia You Asked PAGE 565 PAGE 566 PAGE 578 PAGE

THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE Volume 64, No. 21 • October 23, 2015

PROMOTED TO GLORY? EDITORIAL

Promoted to Glory? Klaas Stam Minister emeritus of the Canadian Reformed Church at Hamilton, Ontario [email protected]

If we want to speak of promotion, then it is found by grace, through faith, in Christ alone

Now and then in an obituary I come across the ex- When we speak about promotion, we speak about our pression that a deceased person has been “promoted” to Lord and Saviour. This is of the first importance. No one glory. This formulation mostly makes me feel a bit uneasy. will be “promoted” as the Lord Jesus is, for his exalta- Understand well, I do not automatically consider anyone tion is above all other being in whatever shape, place, who uses this expression to be guilty of perpetrating a or form. No one has served as he did, and no one will be heresy. But especially at a death bed, a funeral, or a grave- exalted as he is. We may think that this speaks for itself, side we want to be accurate in the usage of our words. but it doesn’t always. It can very well be that the deceased person led an It is true that in Christ and through him we may also exemplary life or persevered in great trials. Are we not look to heaven with full confidence that we will be glori- allowed at the death of such a loved one to use the stir- fied. But there is a caveat. “Everyone who exalts himself ring words: promoted to glory? Why would this make will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be anyone feel uneasy? Is this not rather a beautiful testi- exalted” (Luke 14:11). We shall not claim a place of hon- mony? What about people who are not buried with such our, but we may receive it from our heavenly Lord. applause? Are they not promoted? The Lord is gracious. With respect to his faithful ser- We should note that it is not a biblical notion. I do not vants, he says, “Well done, good and faithful servant, read anywhere that a dead person was promoted to glory. come and share in your master’s happiness” (Matt 25:21). We also note that in Lord’s Day 22 of the Heidelberg Cat- The joy and honour in which we will share is freely given echism it says that when we die our soul immediately to us through Jesus Christ. It is not our happiness but the goes to be with our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is master’s happiness. If we want to speak of promotion, not my problem either, for I accept and teach without any then it is found by grace, through faith, in Christ alone. reservation what we confess in Lord’s Day 22. I simply have some concerns about the word “promoted.” The Salvation Army Sometimes it is beneficial to consider the origin of Only or Lord Jesus Christ an expression, not to add criticism but to further clarify This becomes even more important when we real- it. The expression “promoted to glory” finds its origin in ize that the notion of promotion is really only applied to the ranks of the Salvation Army. It is mostly attributed to Jesus Christ, our Lord. I think here of a passage in the Herbert Booth, the son of founder General William Booth Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. About our Lord and of his wife Catharine Booth. It is found first in the Jesus we read in Philippians 2:9 that “he humbled himself Salvation Army’s news publication “The War Cry” (late even unto the death on a cross and that God therefore 1882), used by Herbert Booth at the occasion of the burial exalted him to the highest place and gave him a name of his mother. The War Cry, by the way, is in its 135th year that is above every name.” of publication and very early issues are collectible. I am

562 October 23, 2015 THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Editor: J. Visscher; Copy Manager: Laura Veenendaal Coeditors: P.H. Holtvlüwer, E. Kampen, K. Stam, C. Van Dam

ADDRESS FOR COPY MANAGER Clarion 8 Inverness Crescent, St. Albert, AB T8N 5J5 Email: [email protected]

ADDRESS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS INSIDE THIS ISSUE... CLARION Premier Printing Ltd. One Beghin Avenue Issue 21 begins with an editorial from Rev. Klaas Stam. He is Winnipeg, MB Canada R2J 3X5 discussing the phrase “promoted to glory.” Does this perhaps Phone: 204-663-9000, Fax: 204-663-9202 suggest something we do not mean to say? After all, he writes, Subscriptions [email protected] my salvation does not depend on me. Advertisements [email protected] Continuing a series from the Committee on Relations with Website www.clarionmagazine.ca Churches Abroad, this time we have an article from Rev. Anthon Souman, “Your Sister in Indonesia.” There is also an article from 2015 SUBSCRIPTION RATES the church in London, ON reporting on their farewell to Rev. Regular Mail Air Mail Reuben Bredenhof and family. Canada $49.00* $ 82.00* Throughout this issue we have regular columns such as Clip- U.S.A. U.S. Funds $69.00 $ 92.00 International $98.00 $154.00 pings on Politics and Religion, Treasures New and Old, Educa- *Applicable GST, HST, PRT taxes are extra. tion Matters, You Asked, and Ray of Sunshine. There are also GST/HST no. 890967359RT several press releases. Cancellation Agreement Laura Veenendaal Unless a written subscription cancellation is received we as- sume you wish to continue to subscribe. You will be invoiced prior to the subscription renewal date.

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Save Me For I Am Yours PUBLISHER 566 Your Sister in Indonesia Published biweekly by Premier Printing Ltd. Winnipeg, Manitoba 570 A Pilgrim Farewell to Rev. Reuben Bredenhof Family Copyright © Premier Printing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced in any manner without permission in writing from the publisher, 572 CLIPPINGS ON POLITICS AND RELIGION except brief quotations used in connection with a review in a magazine or newspaper. 574 EDUCATION MATTERS We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada 577 RAY OF SUNSHINE Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

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October 23, 2015 563 always searching for collectible items like “The War Cry,” and powerfully confirms them [the saints, the elect] in so if you have the 1882 memorial edition, let’s negotiate. the grace once conferred upon them and powerfully pre- The notion of being promoted to glory comes from serves them in that grace to the end”! Even though they statement no. 9 of The Salvation Army’s official creed, sometimes fall into serious sins, God will not permit his “We believe that continuance in a state depends upon elect to be lost. What keeps us standing is the grace of continued obedient faith in Christ.” Note the words “de- God, which is sovereign. God does not depend on us, but pends on.” If you do not have the required obedient faith we may be assured of his preservation. We are sure of sometimes, you can be demoted. this preservation, and know that it is powerfully and un- Your glorification (the eternal state) depends on your failingly effective. This is the certainty of faith. efforts. This is a typical Arminian thought. You can easi- My salvation now and eternally never depends on ly fall back and be demoted! You are never assured of be- me. I almost broke out in a song, “Stand Up, stand up for ing saved in this life. This is the message of The War Cry. Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross.” That’s what the Canons If you sometimes think that I am too militant, check out of Dort do: stand up for the Lord Jesus. The Canons also the war cry. My cry is a feeble voice cut off by the wind. explain that this doctrine of sovereign and free grace is Please do not think that Klaas has entirely gone off abundantly revealed in Scripture, yet the flesh does not his rocker. Now he’s bashing a fine, upstanding and char- understand it, Satan hates it, the world ridicules it and itable organization like Sally Ann! Please be kind to me, I heretics attack it. Wow! am doing nothing of the sort. The Salvation Army is one Salvation does not depend on me but it does involve of the western world’s greatest service organizations and me. This certainty does not make believers proud and there is much to be appreciated here. I always donate to complacent. It is rather the true root of humility, child- the Christmas Kettle collection fund. But when we take like reverence, genuine godliness, endurance in every an outfit seriously we are allowed to ask some pertinent struggle, fervent prayers, constancy in suffering, in the questions, como? confession of the truth, and lasting joy in God. It also is an incentive to the serious and constant practice of grati- The perseverance of the saints tude and good works. We do have the Canons of Dort. These are non-nego- Actually this is really the true comfort of any believ- tiable. The fifth head of doctrine is about the persever- er. Put all you want in the Christmas kettle. But do not ance of the saints. There we confess that “God is faithful take one line out of your confession. C

564 October 23, 2015 TREASURES, NEW & OLD MATTHEW 13:52

Save Me For I Am Yours Tony Roukema Minister of the “Save me, for I am yours.” (Psalm 119:94) Canadian Reformed Church at St. Albert, Alberta [email protected]

This short statement is a prayer ened. Through Jesus we know even we see a hunger for a deeper under- that rests in God’s sovereignty and more about God’s covenant faithful- standing of the gospel. God is doing grace. The psalmist is really saying, ness and his love toward us, and we something right now and it is some- “I belong to you LORD. I am yours and can also rest in the knowledge that thing we can pray for and participate you are mine. Save me from what is our side of the relationship – our re- in. Don’t simply long for the great harming me.” He identifies himself sponse to God and his love – is secure days of the sixteenth century – long as the Lord’s and that is the basis for in Jesus Christ. We are right with God to see what God is doing right now. his prayer. He would have been over- because of what Jesus Christ did for But don’t stop there. Look at yourself whelmed by his situation if he did not us. Nothing can separate us from the and be sure to recover that gospel of have the delight and comfort of be- love of God through Christ Jesus our God’s sovereignty and grace in your ing keenly aware of his relationship Lord (Rom 8:39)! We can go through own life. Recover that wonder of our with the Maker of heaven and earth. all of life resting in our covenant re- Triune God, Creator, Redeemer, Re- Within that relationship – what God lationship with God, confident in his newer, and how he has loved such calls his covenant – he knows and sovereign power and grace. broken sinners as we are, and pray experiences God’s love and responds The Reformation was about re- that he will continue to break you to that love. He knows who God is, covering this gospel of God’s sover- he knows God has spoken, he knows eignty and his grace and turning and remake you. We are always be- God has acted in history and in his away from a reliance on human ing re-formed by the power of the life, and he knows that even though ability and a theological system of Holy Spirit after the image of Jesus he goes through incredible pain and earned salvation. We see God sav- Christ – that is the gospel. Embrace sorrow he can trust in the God to ing his church. However, the danger God’s reformation of the church whom he belongs. That deep-seated for us today is that we consign that in the sixteenth century, embrace awareness and confidence underpins recovery of the gospel to 500 years God’s reformation of the church to- his prayer: Save me, for I am yours. ago and not realize that it is happen- day, and embrace God’s reformation In Jesus Christ our confidence ing now, and that it needs to hap- of your heart as well. The church has in our relationship with God is un- pen within us. When we look around prayed, “Save me, for I am yours.” speakably strengthened and deep- us here in Canada, but also abroad, Let that be our prayer as well. C

For Further Study Reformation begins with an understanding of God’s sovereign power and his grace, both in the church and in our lives. In what parts of your life do you find most room for growth in your understanding of God’s sovereignty and grace? Find those places and let the light of who God is and what he has done shine there and be reformed after the image of Jesus Christ.

October 23, 2015 565 Your Sister in Indonesia Anthon Souman Minister of the Canadian Reformed Church at Willoughby Heights, BC and Chairman of the CRCA [email protected]

Muslim country gave Indonesia official independence from The Nether- lands. That already is an indication that the separation Indonesia is known as the country with the largest from The Netherlands did not go very peacefully. It also Muslim population in the world. The Republic of Indo- made mission work difficult from time to time. Still, our nesia has a population of over 255 million people. It is estimated that eighty-seven percent of the population Dutch sister churches did take up the mission work in is Muslim. In 2010 Christians made up almost ten per- Indonesia again. The church in Zwolle sent missionary cent of the population; seven percent Protestant and S.P.J. Goossens to Sumba. Rev. Goossens was later sus- 2.9% Roman Catholic. Indonesia is divided into thirty- pended and dismissed by the church of Zwolle, which led four provinces. One of those provinces is Nusa Tenggara to a split in the mission churches in Sumba. Some church- Timur (NTT) and the three major islands in this province es remained faithful to Rev. Goossens and were called are West-Timor, Sumba, and Flores. The capital of this the Bebas Churches (Free Churches). The other churches province is Kupang in West-Timor. remained in contact with the church in Zwolle. After the split in 1967 in The Netherlands, the Bebas churches with History Rev. P.P. Goossens (son of S.P.J. Goossens) received sup- Since 2010, the Canadian and American Reformed port mainly from the Dutch Reformed Churches (Neder- Churches have had a sister church in Indonesia: the lands Gereformeerde Kerken). GGRI-NTT. This doesn’t mean there weren’t Reformed In 1975 the Reformed Churches in Sumba federat- churches in Indonesia before that. In fact, there are sev- ed into the GGRI-NTT. GGRI stands for Gereja Gereja eral Reformed churches and we have contacts with some Reformasi di Indonesia, which means: Reformed Church- of them. If you read the report of the Committee for Re- es of Indonesia. In two other provinces Reformed lations with Churches Abroad (CRCA) to General Synod Churches also federated: Kalimantan Barat and Papua. Dunnville, you will find several names or abbreviations These churches also chose the name GGRI and each fed- and it may be quite confusing for many to keep track of eration added the abbreviation of the name of the prov- all the different churches. Later on I will write a bit more ince behind the name GGRI. So the churches in NTT about other churches with which we have contact. became GGRI-NTT and in the other two provinces re- Indonesia is a former Dutch colony and the Dutch Re- formed churches have been doing mission work in many spectively GGRI-KalBar and GGRI-Papua. In 2012 these parts of this country. After the Second World War, Indo- three federations came together in their first National nesia became independent. If you ask an Indonesian, he Synod and decided to become one national federation, will say it was in 1945. If you ask a Dutchman he will with the name GGRI. When we use the name GGRI then probably mention 1948. That is because right after the we mean the national federation, and if we use the name Second World War several movements in Indonesia start- GGRI with the addition NTT, then we speak about the ed the fight for independence, but it was not until 1948 Reformed Churches in the province of Nusa Tenggara that the Queen of The Netherlands signed the law that Timur or NTT.

566 October 23, 2015 students being trained at this seminary. This school is not only for the GGRI-NTT; the GGRI-Papua and the GGRI-KalBar also decided to send their students to Sum- ba. In the past this seminary was situated in Waimar- angu, but it moved to the big city of Waingapu. There a building is being rented for this purpose. With the support of the Dutch and Australian sister churches, the GGRI-NTT hope to build their own building sometime in the near future. National federation The Canadian and American Reformed Churches ac- cepted the GGRI-NTT as sister churches in 2010, but in 2012 the GGRI-NTT became part of the GGRI. The GGRI- Papua has about 16,000 members and the GGRI-KalBar around 6,000, so the new federation has a total of ap- proximately 29,000 members. Synod Carman 2013 did not have sufficient information to decide to enter into a relationship of ecclesiastical fellowship with the GGRI. Synod mandated the Committee for Relations with Churches Abroad (CRCA) to gather as much information as is needed about the national GGRI to come to a good recommendation for General Synod 2016. In Indonesia the modern means of communication Rev. Souman meeting with the deputies of the are not as widespread as in North America. This, as well GGRI-NTT in July 2015 as the large distance between these three provinces, does Present situation not make it easy to collect this information. Therefore the CRCA mainly relied on information which was re- At the moment, the GGRI-NTT have around 7,000 ceived from the GGRI-NTT, as well as our sister churches members, twenty instituted churches, and several mis- in Australia. At the moment there are a few questions sion posts. In total there are seventy-five places where and concerns left, which may be answered at the next the Word is being preached. Over the past four years the national synod which will be held in 2016 in Sumba. membership has been quite stable, with maybe a slight increase. The number of instituted churches increased GGRC with one over those four years, but the total number of The GGRI-NTT has an official relationship of ecclesi- preaching points has seen a slight decrease from seventy- astical fellowship with another church federation in the nine to seventy-five. Preaching points can be mission same province, the Calvinist Reformed Churches (GGRC), posts, but also “branches” of instituted churches. Those which are mainly in West Timor and Rote Island. Short- branches are in fact local congregations which are under ly after the Second World War, the GGRC left the large the care of a neighbouring consistory because the offices Christian Evangelical Church (GMIT), which is the dom- could not yet be instituted at that place. inant church in the province. During the decades that In the past the GGRI-NTT had a seminary which was followed they were searching, until they came into con- set up by the Dutch missionaries, but it closed twenty tact with the missionaries of our Dutch sister churches years ago. In 2007 the GGI-NTT decided to restart this who were working in Sumba. That was about twenty-five school again and at the moment there are twenty-four years ago. Rev. Eli Fangidae, who was a leading minister

October 23, 2015 567 The GGRI-NTT and the GGRC have been in con- tact with each other for over twenty-five years now. Although their ministers have been trained at the same seminary in Sumba and they both have the same church order, there is no real progress in the process of becom- ing one federation. In fact, at the moment there is hard- ly any contact between these two federations. Mission work of Smithville In 2003 the church of Smithville started mission work in West Timor by calling Rev. Edwer Dethan and sending him there as missionary. There was no rela- tionship between the GGRI-NTT and the Canadian Re- formed Churches yet. Rev. Edwer Dethan came from the GGRC and the mission work started in the proximity of GGRC churches and with the help of GGRC mem- bers. The intent was therefore to work together with the GGRC. Once the GGRC became sister churches with the Canadian Reformed Churches the mission churches which would be established could join the GGRC. How- ever, as just mentioned, the GGRC are still struggling to implement the Reformed church order which makes it difficult for the mission churches to join the GGRC. At the moment there are nine churches instituted One of the graduates from STAKRI as the result of the mission work and if the LORD con- tinues to bless the work, it is to be expected that sever- al more will follow in the near future. In order to train in the GGRC, requested that several young men from the brothers for the ministry of the Word in these church- GGRC would be allowed to attend the Theological School es, a Theological School has been established in Kupang which the Dutch missionaries had set up in Sumba. Two (STAKRI). This school is not only training students for of these young men were the brothers Yonson and Edwer the ministry of the Word but also teachers. It has just Dethan. Most of the ministers who are serving in the under 100 students, about twenty percent studying for GGRC as well as in the GGRI-NTT at the moment have the ministry and eighty percent for teacher. The school been trained at this school. received full accreditation from the Indonesian govern- The GGRC also adopted a church order which was ment, which means that the diplomas and certificates based on the Church Order of Dort and is very much like are all officially recognized by the government and are the church order of the GGRI-NTT and also the Canadian valid throughout all of Indonesia. Reformed teachers are Reformed Churches. However, over the past twenty years even allowed and do actually teach at public schools and the GGRC have been struggling greatly to implement this have a great opportunity there to spread the gospel. This church order in their church life and are still having a school and the work being done by this school has been hard time abiding by it. That is the main reason that sev- tremendously blessed and is a great support for the mis- eral synods of the Canadian Reformed Churches have de- sion work. Also the GGRC was invited to send their stu- cided to wait with accepting the GGRC as sister church- dents to this school and call their ministers from those es. At the moment the CRCA continues to encourage the who have been trained at this school. However, so far GGRC to apply the rules which they have in the church this has not happened and it is very unfortunate to see order and is monitoring the developments. that the GGRC recently decided to call and ordain three

568 October 23, 2015 ministers from totally different seminaries in Indonesia. has been doing mission work in West Timor with the re- This is not a good development for the Reformed char- sult that nine churches have been instituted so far and in acter of the GGRC or for unity between the Reformed 2006 a Theological School started operating in Kupang. churches in the province. Since the GGRC are sister churches of the GGRI-NTT, the The Theological School for the training for the min- Canadian Reformed Churches have been maintaining istry which was set up by the GGRI-NTT is on the Is- contact with the GGRC in the hope that a sister church land of Sumba, which is only about an hour flying from relationship will be possible in the future. Kupang (or a day traveling by boat). So far this school In a predominantly Muslim country it is important has not received government accreditation. For this and that these churches all work together to maintain and other reasons the Canadian Reformed Churches, togeth- spread the Christian faith and the Reformed heritage. er with the Free Reformed Churches in Australia, have encouraged the GGRI to work together with STAKRI in So far there has not been much cooperation, but it is Kupang. If both the GGRI and the GGRC work together our prayer that this will grow so that all these Reformed with STAKRI, this school could become a great encour- churches may share their blessings and help and encour- agement for church unity. age each other in the important task of preaching God’s Word in a world that lives in darkness. Christ gathers his Conclusion church also in Indonesia. May he bless our brothers and Summarizing the situation in the province of NTT: sisters in Indonesia so that they may remain faithful to since 2010 we have the GGRI-NTT as sister churches, him and that his name be preached also there among a mainly on the islands Sumba and Sabu with a Theologic- mainly Muslim population. We know that God’s power is al School in Sumba; since 2003 the church of Smithville made perfect in weakness. C

Yerusalem Church: the first church which was instituted through the mission work of Smithville

October 23, 2015 569 Lynda Schouten

A Pilgrim Farewell to Rev. Reuben Bredenhof Family

On May 24, 2015 Chatham, Glanbrook, Ancaster, and Blessings) and from the Pilgrim Canadian Cornerstone URC in London thanked Rev. Bredenhof for Reformed congrega- his faithful preaching and counsel within our churches tion of London assem- and Rebecca was thanked for her musical and committee bled together for wor- work at Covenant Christian School. ship with Rev. Reuben Afterwards the congregation assembled in the Bredenhof as her min- fellowship hall to enjoy a potluck dinner, the last of ister for the last time. many we have shared with the Bredenhofs. Being duly Rev. Bredenhof assured nourished for both body and soul, we again assembled in us with the words of the auditorium for a farewell program. For the past five Hebrews 6 that al- years Rev. Bredenhof and Rebecca had worked diligently though change is con- among our congregation and they, along with their girls stant, we have hope. Abigail, Sasha, Kyra, and Tori, had endeared themselves Paul exhorted the be- lievers to not lose hope but to place it in God who, when he gave his divine promise, confirmed it by an oath. This oath he swore by himself since there is no greater Truth. It is this God, who is unchanging in his purpose, who is our hope. As a church in the world, we are like a ship at sea and at times there is a gather- ing storm but God does not leave us rudderless when our minister leaves. Pilgrim has nine faithful elders and dea- cons but even more importantly we have a steady anchor, Jesus Christ, “our hope that enters into the inner place behind the veil.” In Christ we have a sure hope, firmly placed. Our anchor links us to God in heaven. Through Christ we have access to all the riches and power of God and he is unchanging in his resolve to bring Pilgrim’s needs to the Father. The congregation responded with singing Hymn 71, “That hope must soften all our sorrow. Come fellow pilgrims, heads then high.” Following the worship service, delegates from neigh- bouring churches in Classis Ontario West (Kerwood,

570 October 23, 2015 to our members so with reluctance we presented our fare- It was then time for the Bredenhofs to extend their wells. Each society came forward with various memories, farewells. The girls expressed their mixed feelings by Aussie facts and trivia, well wishes, and words of advice means of poetry: joy for the friendships they had in Lon- as the Bredenhofs transition to life down under. The Pil- don, sadness for leaving them behind, and excitement for grim singers serenaded us with a version of Waltzing the prospect of new things. Reuben and Rebecca expressed Matilda and they spoke for all of us when they sang “God their thankfulness for the bonds of faith and friendship Be With You Til we Meet Again.” Council expressed their that they were able to enjoy in their work and with their deep appreciation to Rev. Bredenhof for his faithful and family and assured us that he who is faithful will continue fruitful work of preaching, teaching, and visiting among to care for us all on our pilgrimage wherever we go. our congregation, acknowledging with thankfulness The bonds of faith that unite us are greater than the God’s provision for us and trusting that he will again distance that separates us. God be with you until we provide us with a shepherd in due time. meet again! C

October 23, 2015 571 CLIPPINGS ON POLITICS AND RELIGION

The Refugee Crisis

Cornelis Van Dam Professor emeritus of Old Testament at the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Ontario [email protected]

Even before the current refugee crisis, the make- are areas of lawlessness that are becoming “no-go” zones up of Europe’s population has been undergoing historic for police, areas where native Germans fear to go. changes. Soeren Kern writing on the Gatestone Insitute The situation is no better in the other two major website (August 31, 2015) noted, for example, how Ger- European nations, the United Kingdom and France, where many is undergoing what he called a Muslim demo- growing “no-go” zones have been documented. There is graphic revolution. It is being propelled by a flood of a well-founded concern that current trends point to an immigration unprecedented since World War II. A record eventual Islamization of Europe. 800,000 migrants and refugees, almost one percent of Germany’s total population, are expected for 2015, four A dilemma times as many as in 2014. Almost half of those arriving In light of this reality, what is a Western nation to do are economic migrants, not refugees fleeing war zones. when confronted with the humanitarian disaster of mil- Kern noted that according to projections, Germany will lions of Muslim war refugees in the Middle East? Should have almost six million Muslims giving it the highest they all simply be admitted? It should be noted that a Muslim population in Europe. Critics charge that Ger- country has the right to seek to maintain its own iden- man officials “are ignoring the long-term consequences tity. God ordained the existence of nations (Gen 11:1-9; of taking in so many migrants from the Middle East and Acts 17:26). As I have tried to make clear in chapter 6 North Africa. . . . The surge in Muslim immigration will of God and Government (2011), a nation can take steps accelerate the Islamization of Germany, a process that is to protect its identity by the way it admits immigrants already well under way.” Islam is the fastest growing re- of different religious and cultural backgrounds. There is ligion in Germany and an increasing number of church- no room to discuss all that here, but the point is that it es are converted into mosques. One consequence of this would be ill-advised for any Western nation to open the reality, as Kern noted in an earlier article (August 1) for flood gates of Islamic immigrants simply on humanitar- the Gatestone Institute, is that social tensions are rising ian grounds. There are other weighty factors to consider and in the case of the industrial city of Duisburg, there as well. Although Western countries, including Canada, should continue to do what they can within reason, the long-term well-being of the host nation needs to be taken into account as well. For example, Hungary’s Prime Min- ister, Viktor Orban, was within his rights when he voiced concern about the Muslim influx threatening Europe’s historic Christian identity. He has been severely criti- cized for his politically incorrect stance but his worry about the growing destabilizing influx of followers of Islam is valid. It seems that it is considered intolerable in the pol- itically correct mainstream media to criticize Islam, but Christianity is fair game for criticism and even dis- crimination. In this connection a disturbing trend is emerging in several Western nations.

572 October 23, 2015 Discrimination against Christian refugees? tion argues that ‘Muslims would not be accepted because they would not feel at home,’ including because there Raymond Ibrahim, writing on the Gatestone Insti- are no mosques in Slovakia.” There is wisdom in the ap- tute website on September 6, 2015, showed that in far too proach taken by these nations. many cases the United States and the West generally are In this connection, a question arises. What are the victimizing Christian refugees. “Since the start of 2015, Muslim nations doing with the refugee problem? 4,205 Muslims have been admitted into the U.S. from Iraq, but only 727 Christians. For every one Christian The response of Muslim nations the U.S. grants asylum, it grants asylum to five or six Muslims – even though Christians, as persecuted ‘infidel’ Tarek Fatah, founder of the Muslim Canadian Con- minorities, are in much greater need of sanctuary, not gress, made some noteworthy observations in his Toronto to mention more assimilating to American culture than Sun column on September 3. He was commenting on the Muslims.” Even after they have managed to reach the death of Alan Kurdi, a three-year old refugee boy, who U.S., Christians face enormous challenges. along with others drowned in the Adriatic Sea when their In San Diego “a group of 20 Christians who fled the flimsy boat sank en route to a Greek island. This tragedy Islamic State in Iraq have been imprisoned indefinitely, ignited world-wide outrage at the plight of Middle East some since February, at the Otay Detention Facility in refugees. “If there is anyone who is guilty of this crime San Diego, even though they have local family members [the death of this boy], it is Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Christian leaders who vouch for them. . . . Some have and UN, all those who have refused to embrace hundreds been imprisoned for over seven months with no hearing of thousands of refugees fleeing war.” He notes that these date for release even set.” According to a spokesperson refugees could easily be accommodated in Turkey and from the Institute on Religion and Democracy: “This fol- Saudi Arabia. “Strictly from a management perspective lows the disturbing pattern that we have seen from the and common sense, Saudi Arabia has the land, the re- State Department of ignoring the particular targeting of sources and lies in the vicinity of the crisis. The refugees Christians by ISIS while giving preferential treatment for and the Saudis speak the same language and settlement asylum to other groups with expedited processing – like and integration could happen sooner and at a fraction Somalis, Iraqis, and Syrians, some of whom could very of the cost.” But why are these options not publicly dis- well be members of jihadist movements.” cussed by politicians and the media? The answer is that it Similar trends appear in the United Kingdom. Ibrahim is not politically correct and you may alienate Canadian noted that “church leaders accuse David Cameron of Muslims, an important consideration during an election ‘turning his back’ on Christians facing genocide in Syria campaign now being waged in Canada. As Fatah noted, and Iraq by failing to grant them refuge in the UK – even neither of the two main opposition parties “dare say a though thousands of Muslims have been allowed entry.” single word against Turkey, Saudi Arabia or even Pak- Indeed, “Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canter- istan for fear of losing the imagined Muslim vote.” bury, signed a petition calling on the UK government Already at the end of last year (December 5, 2014), to ‘welcome Christian refugees and give them priority Amnesty International had pointed out in a news release as asylum seekers,’ emphasizing that ‘Syrian and Iraqi that “the six Gulf countries – Qatar, United Arab Emir- Christians are being butchered, tortured and enslaved.’” ates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain – have offered Ibrahim concludes that “most European governments, es- zero resettlement places to Syrian refugees. Other high pecially those that are Christian explicitly or implicitly, income countries including Russia, Japan, Singapore and are failing in their duty to look after their fellow Chris- South Korea have also offered zero resettlement places.” tians in their hour of need.” As one can see, the current refugee crisis facing Eur- Remarkably, this is not necessarily true of east Euro- ope is not a simple issue to resolve. The matter is complex pean countries. Along with countries like Poland and the and has many causes and aspects. At the same time, it Czech Republic, “Slovakia recently went so far as to say has the potential to transform parts of Europe into Islam- it will only accept Christians when it takes in Syrian ic entities and that scenario should give pause to sober refugees under an EU relocation scheme. The Slavic na- long range thinking. C

October 23, 2015 573 EDUCATION MATTERS

Antithetical?! Keith Sikkema Full-time lecturer at Covenant Really?! (Part 1 of 2) Canadian Reformed Teachers College, and secretary for the CCMC when its report was prepared. [email protected]

In 2003, the Curriculum Coordinator Management and desirable elsewhere – the thesis. Later, my dentist Committee (CCMC) of the League of Canadian Reformed identified some associated problems – the antithesis. I now School Societies (LCRSS) reported on the curriculum vision held that eating peppermints in moderation was accept- it was asked to develop. The report characterized Reformed able, and reduced my intake – the synthesis. This became education as covenantal, confessional, and antithetical, and my new thesis; a new antithesis could be that declining as sharing a unity of purpose of home, school, and church. peppermint in church is rude, and the process of recon- Of these four markers, the antithetical characteristic drew ciling clashing ideas would rigorously repeat itself again, more than average attention, and was soon rephrased as and again, until the ideal truth was found. recognizing the antithesis. This two-part article introduces More seriously, at the Synod of Dort, 1618-1619, our the matter and what was envisioned. fathers humbly accepted scriptural authority and man’s total depravity (thesis). However, “enlightened” think- Antithetical?! ers embraced human goodness and abilities – which One evening, not long after the CCMC report was pub- clashed with scriptural doctrines of depravity, depend- lished, following a full day of fine presentations at a con- ence, and need for atonement (antithesis). For a solution, ference of Reformed educators, and contentedly relaxing progressive theologians distrusted Scripture, sidelined with a glass of wine and some cheese, I noticed a few God, and designed a “modernist” Liberal Theology (syn- esteemed colleagues looking in my direction, talking and thesis), which contributed to the Secession of 1834 and gesturing as if in deliberation, and then sauntering to- the Doleantie of 1886. The theory of evolution and com- wards me. Without chitchat, they held out the shell, the munism are also linked to such dialectic thinking. If my fuse lit: “Antithetical!” Theirs was an incredulous percep- esteemed colleagues believed that the CCMC report con- tion that the CCMC report was antithetical to what they doned the dialectic evolution of the Truth, they would believed characterized Reformed education. Antithetical, have been rightly dismayed. oh horrors! I explained what was intended, and how the phrase had been changed. They remained skeptical. Neo-Calvinism Years later, after outlining the markers to some over- Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920) was initially sympa- seas colleagues, one asked what “antithesis” meant. An- thetic to Liberal Theology, but became known, among other teammate based his explanation on the idealist phil- others, for his “neo-Calvinist” leadership in theology and osopher Georg Hegel’s (1770-1831) dialectical evolution of the 1886 Doleantie, politics, and education. To be brief truth. Based on his observations, Hegel found that truth, about Kuyper’s neo-Calvinism, his best known assertion our understanding of reality, evolves. He calls truth the is that there is not a square inch in the whole domain of thesis. Something conflicting with this thesis he calls the our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign anti-thesis. Thesis and antithesis are opposing or dialectic over all, does not cry: “Mine!” Considering God’s sover- poles, and, in the search for better truth, they must be eignty, his “common grace” of restraining the effects of reconciled for a resulting synthesis. For instance, when I sin, people being made in God’s image, and our society’s was young, it seemed right to eat peppermints in church, technological and cultural advances when compared

574 October 23, 2015 to “wild tribes,” Kuyper was positive about progress in At the other end of this spectrum, a neo-Calvinist fulfilling the cultural mandate. Of course, non-believ- common-grace-dominated approach, sometimes called ers would reject God’s authority and revelation, in which Positive Calvinism, favoured cooperation and finding Kuyper recognized the antithesis as an irreconcilable common goals with people of different beliefs, with a gulf of enmity between devotion to God and idolatry, drive to engage and transform culture. Emphasizing between God’s kingdom and the Devil’s power in every God’s sovereignty as well as his restraint in executing sphere of life, without a chance of Hegelian synthesis. judgment over sin, it noted that all people are made in God’s image, and are capable of some cultural good. This outlook favoured limiting restrictions on school enrol- If my esteemed colleagues believed that ment, embracing new ideas and the fruits of secular sci- the CCMC report condoned the dialectic ence and culture, and using the school for transformative social action to usher in the new creation. Minimizing evolution of the Truth, they would have the antithesis, this view risked assimilation with the cul- been rightly dismayed ture of the day. Somewhere between these positions, an antith- esis-conscious neo-Calvinist mindset stressed the en- In Kuyper’s neo-Calvinist system of thinking, com- mity between serving God and idols, and the struggle mon grace provided space for people with diverse world- that runs through everyone’s heart. It encouraged de- views toward similar goals. Further, his idea of sphere veloping scholarship and culture, but with hearts com- sovereignty allowed these different groups (Reformed, mitted to biblical principles. These people could accept Roman Catholic, Socialist, Progressivist, etc.) to each the fruit of unbelievers’ labours, but also wanted to be develop independent vertically integrated organizations, “pillars,” for purposes as varied as education, politics, and hospitals. Under his amazing leadership, Dutch so- ciety now became socially, educationally, and politically pillarized, which, among others, provided a framework for obtaining full recognition and educational funding for each of the pillars by 1917. Remnants of this structure remain today. Neo-Calvinism spread to North America through Kuyper’s own work (e.g., his 1898 Stone Lec- tures) and immigration. Apart from neo-Calvinism, on both sides of the ocean, there also existed an inward-focused, sometimes pietistic, mindset in people with primarily 1834 Seces- sion roots. It stressed private piety of experiencing the gospel in walking with God, biblical and confessional tradition, and an aversion to intellectualism and world- liness. It encouraged withdrawal from, rather than inter- action with, secular culture, and fostered reservations about Kuyper’s neo-Calvinism with its 1886 Doleantie roots. In education, this led to parochial or semi-parochi- al schools, strong ties to the Three Forms of Unity, and suspicion of “outside” influences. This was one end of a spectrum of Reformed thought.

October 23, 2015 575 CALLED Called by the Bethel United Reformed Church of Brockville, ON and the Cairns ward of the Free Reformed Church of Armadale, WA: Candidate Randall Visscher

DECLINED Declined the call to the Pilgrim Canadian Reformed Church at London, Ontario and the Providence Canadian Reformed Church at Hamilton, Ontario: obedient pilgrims who would withdraw when God’s good Rev. R. Vermeulen gifts were abused. This required “antithetical” Christian of Glanbrook, Ontario institutions, such as schools, in which the call for dis- cernment and making God-fearing choices became an CHURCH NEWS important characteristic. My esteemed colleagues would not object to this meaning of “antithetical.” Subsequent to the 1950s influx of Reformed immi- grants to North America, Prof. Runner of Calvin College Departing from an antithesis between church and world, addressed Christian education. Rejecting the neo-Cal- the line was drawn between the true church, us, and the vinist National Union of Christian Schools’ (NUCS) pro- false church, them; everything beyond us was suspect. motion of an American blend of cultural assimilation When my grade 11 Church History teacher, P.K. Keizer, with private piety, Runner led CRC immigrants to stress counted the Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerken (i.e., FRC- cultural transformation through strong and independ- NA) “in”, I doubted his orthodoxy and would never date a ent Reformed institutions. In his view, Reformed people girl from them. Here, “antithetical” meant being against, should choose the thesis of obedience to God’s Word or wary-of, those-not-of-the-true-church. Its meaning implied that a tight connection to the true church was imperative for attaining Christian goals, often cloaked in Reformed schools do not at all want to be terms like “ongoing reformation” and “ethical conflict.” I theologically liberal will elaborate on that next time. Summing up over the anti-thesis of disobedience. All of life is reli- To call Reformed education “antithetical” was prob- gion, he said, and the Word of God must transform all of lematic. Hegel saw “truth” evolve in a synthesis of a thesis culture. The anti-thesis was “the difference of response and an anti-thesis, such as Enlightenment rationalism to the Word of God, which, coming into the world as with scriptural elements in Liberal Theology. Kuyper saw a revealing light for our life (Ps 119:105), effectuates the antithesis as the enmity between devotion to God and with the sovereignty of its Divine Author an abiding idolatry; he promoted Christian institutions, but com- line of division between ways obedient and disobedient mon grace allowed cooperation with unbelievers in a (cf. Ps 1, Prov 1, 2).” Humanistic American culture, in pillarized society. North-American Reformed immigrants’ which religion was a private matter, was at odds with mind-sets range from piety and withdrawal-from-the- this anti-thesis (The Relation of the Bible to Learning, world, to a neo-Calvinism that stresses common grace p. 43). Runner did not reject the neo-Calvinist empha- and societal transformation. Other neo-Calvinists stress ses of cultural transformation and personal relevance. upholding biblical principles in view of the antithesis, and However, the CRC’s drift towards accepting theistic will withdraw from cooperation when the principles are evolution, homosexuality, and gender equality in the compromised. Prof. Runner called Scripture the thesis, 1970s and 1980s inevitably affected the schools, and and rejecting it the anti-thesis; for him, “antithetical” Runner’s good students recognized this liberalizing and was to be against Scripture. Finally, I briefly related the assimilating trend as antithetical to orthodox doctrine. “ongoing reformation” notion I grew up with. This was the meaning of “antithetical” my esteemed col- leagues rightly rejected: Reformed schools do not at all want to be theologically liberal. The Education Matters column is sponsored by the Can- Finally, as a boomer growing up in a Liberated Re- adian Reformed Teachers’ Association East. Anyone wish- formed Dutch context, “antithesis” acquired a neither un- ing to respond to an article written or willing to write an common, nor universal, but specific sense for me, closely article is kindly asked to send materials to Clarion or to connected as it was to thinking about the true church. Arthur Kingma [email protected] C

576 October 23, 2015 RAY OF SUNSHINE

Rachel Vis

I am thankful for . . . Thanksgiving has already come and past us this year, but I thought it would be a good opportunity to reflect on thanks- “That I am not alone in this world. I have Jesus and oth- giving for a moment again. I am sure most of us enjoyed a er neighbours in my life. Together we can overcome evil. festive thanksgiving dinner with family or friends and we Thanks be to God!” – Ron DeWitt could reflect on how the Lord has richly blessed each and every one of us. “My family like my nieces and nephews, my Twin Oaks family, These statements show us how much we all have to be thank- and the Anchor Association. I am also thankful for Jesus ful for. May we all continue to strive to serve the Lord and who paid for my sins on the cross.” – Derrick VanderHorst show him our thankfulness in our everyday lives. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this month’s article. “I am thankful for all my friends and family. I would like to say God Bless you all!” – David Rawson

“Going to church, and singing” – Nancy Schipper God “A cup of coffee” – Fred Ludwig Food and Family “Living in this house (the Beacon Home)” – Derek Kok drink

“When Rolie Ravensbergen takes me out” – James Buikema

“Animals” – Nick Prinzen Friends Health

“God giving me the gift of music” – Jim VanderHieden

“Wendy my counsellor, and Maria” – Clarence Zweip November “God, that he looks after me” – Paul Dieleman

“My health” – Janell Deboer 3 WILMA VAN DRONGELEN will be 58 306-33375 Mayfair Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S 1P4 “My job on the farm” – Eddie VanRootselaar Congratulations to you Wilma on your birthday. May our “The sunshine and food” – Jason Herrewynen heavenly Father be with you in this new year, and give you an enjoyable day together with your family and friends. “My mom and dad” – Julie Ostermeier I am working on an updated list of all our contacts. Could I “God, staying at home, mom and dad, playing games, and ask everyone to email me their contact information: name, watching funny videos” – Lars Huigun address, phone number, and email address. Thanks!

A NOTE TO PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS

If there are any address or other changes that I need to be aware of please let me know as soon as possible. Rachel Vis 731 Lincoln Street, Wellandport, Ontario L0R 2J0 [email protected] • 905-329-9476 C

October 23, 2015 577 YOU ASKED

When our Saviour cried out, “My God, my God, William den Hollander Minister emeritus of the why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34b) Bethel Canadian Reformed Church of Toronto, Ontario was our Saviour at that moment hanging [email protected] on the cross strictly as a human Q (or in his human nature), or did he also still at that moment maintain his Godly nature? As the Trinity is three Persons, the Trinity can never be missing one. So when Christ cried out this question he seemed to have been removed from the oneness of the Trinity. I hope you can understand what I am aiming at. It is about the best I can do to express my puzzlement about this issue.

It is not surprising that the questioner true human emotions of grief over the loss of a loved one; has difficulty formulating the ques- yet, in verse 43 he manifested his divine power by rais- tion, expressing puzzlement about the ing Lazarus from the dead. In John 10:31 he said, “I and matter. We are dealing here with the the Father are one,” yet he also said in John 14:28 that mystery indeed of the unity of the two the Father is more than I (cf. Mark 13:32, He also knows natures of Christ: his human and his more!). Christ was true God (Col 2:9), and by his divine divine nature. It seems best, there- power rose from the dead (Rom 1:4), yet Colossians 2:12 fore,A in coming to an answer to this question, first to also says that he was raised from the dead (namely, by let the Scriptures speak. At the same time, up front we the power of the Holy Spirit). The unity of his two natures have to realize that this is a mystery and that we need to shows very much as well in such expressions as used in leave it a mystery! We are dealing here with a matter that Acts 20:28, where Paul speaks about God who bought must be admitted to be the ultimate end and limit to our the church with his own blood; or in 1 Corinthians 2:8 human understanding and comprehension. saying that they crucified [Jesus, true man] the Lord of The Scriptures reveal to us that our Lord and Saviour glory [God]! Jesus Christ is true God and true man; the Immanuel, These are only a few examples to highlight the two God with us, in the form of the baby in the manger. Dur- natures of the Lord Jesus. Hence, on the basis of these and ing his life on earth he showed himself a true man with other examples we confess in Belgic Confession Article 19, all its infirmities, needs, emotions, and limitations; yet, However, these two natures are so closely united in by his actions he also manifested his divine nature in his one person that they were not even separated by his power over creation, healing the sick, raising the dead, death. Therefore, what he, when dying, committed and forgiving sinners. In John 9:6, 7, for instance, he into the hands of his Father was a real human spirit showed himself as true man with human saliva, yet true that departed from his body. Meanwhile his divin- God with healing power. In John 11:35 he displayed his ity always remained united with his human nature,

578 October 23, 2015 even when he was lying in the grave. And the divine out clearly in that he cried aloud in his mother tongue, nature always remained in him just as it was in him in Aramaic. Though he could speak both, Aramaic and when he was a little child, even though it did not Greek, when he came into crises, was upset or emotional, manifest itself as such for a little while. he used his mother tongue (as we all are inclined to do). Then the conclusion in this article also applies very much From his weak human flesh God the Father took every- to the question stated above: “For this reason we profess thing away from which it could still have flourished: he him to be true God and true man: true God in order to took his love away, his mercy, the communion, the com- conquer death by his power. . . .” That was exactly why fort of his Spirit, etc., and in the meantime all the temp- our Mediator and Redeemer Jesus Christ had to be true tations of the evil one were coming to him! God, as we confess in the Heidelberg Catechism: “So that The Trinity could not be broken, and God could not by the power of his divine nature he might bear in his die, but with his divine power Jesus had to conquer human nature the burden of God’s wrath” (Q/A 17). death; a man only could die. That’s why our Mediator It is this truth and reality that we see expressed and Redeemer Jesus Christ had to be true God and true at the moment of Christ’s exclamation, “My God, my man. As we confess in Belgic Confession Article 19: even God, why have you forsaken me?” He was experiencing in the grave (and on the cross, we may add) his divinity and undergoing as true man in his human nature the was omnipresent. The purpose and intent of those closing god-forsakenness and eternal wrath of God against the sentences of Article 19, however, are only to confess the sin of the whole human race. The only way he could do inseparable and wonderful unity of Jesus’ two natures, so was by the power of his divine nature (LD 6). He bore but certainly not in order to explain or solve in this way it for us and in our place, and did so as man! That comes the mystery of this unity! C

Is there something you’ve been wanting to know? An answer you’ve been looking for? Ask us a question!

Please direct questions to Rev. W. denHollander [email protected] 23 Kinsman Drive, Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

October 23, 2015 579 PRESS RELEASES

Press Release for Classis Contracta, Classis VanderVelde’s release and transfer of responsibility was Northern Ontario; held in the Emmanuel confirmed. Classis Contracta granted honourable release Canadian Reformed Church of Guelph. for Rev. VanderVelde from Classis Northern Ontario with Thursday, August 20, 2015 date and time to match release from Elora. The chairman expressed thanks and appreciation for the faithful work Rev. Peter G. Feenstra opened the meeting on behalf of Rev. VanderVelde within the classis. Rev. VanderVelde of the convening church, Emmanuel Canadian Reformed responded in kind, thankful for his experiences and mem- Church of Guelph. He read Psalm 48 and led in prayer. The ories, grateful of the cooperation received within classis. credentials were found to be in order, classis was consti- Grand Valley requested Rev. Marc Jagt of Fergus North tuted. Appointed officers were for Chairman, Rev. P. Feen- to be their counsellor and Elora requested that Rev. Jack stra and for Clerk, Elder B. Niezen. Moesker be their counsellor. These requests were granted. The Agenda was adopted, the correspondence re- Elder H. Terpstra closed the meeting in prayer. ceived and accepted. After examination of the pertin- ent and necessary documents, the date and time of Rev. Brian E. Niezen, (clerk at that time)

Press Release of the Meeting of the Board of churches. Its proposal was discussed, amended, and Governors of the Canadian Reformed Theological adopted. The Committee was mandated to get it sent Seminary held on September 10, 2015 out as soon as possible with a reminder to church councils that this should be a cooperative effort. A The Board of Governors met at CRTS in Hamilton, Ontario new measure tracking the response rate will be add- on September 10, 2015. All the governors were present at ed to the Metrics Report. The goal is to get at least the meeting. Rev. R. Aasman opened with the reading of a 50% response rate in the first year. One example Psalm 113 and prayer. of a Key Thrust (3-5 Years) is The Evaluation of the Sabbatical Program spearheaded by Dr. G. Visscher. In Memorabilia considering the issue of sabbatical review, the Board The following brothers and sisters were remembered: requested that the method of evaluating each sab- Srs. K. Deddens and J. Faber, Dr. J. de Jong and his wife, Dr. batical be documented and presented to the Board at N. Gootjes and his wife, Prof. J. Geertsema, Dr. C. Van Dam. the next meeting. Consideration will be given as to Minutes and agenda how each sabbatical, and the sabbatical program as a The minutes of the Board meeting held on Jan. 15, whole, support the Statement of Institutional Purpose 2015 were adopted. The agenda for the meeting was es- and the core values of the Seminary. tablished. c. The Board approved the Sabbatical proposal of Dr. J. Smith. This is a full sabbatical which will run from Receipt of reports-material agenda items: January-June of 2016. a. Report on Visits to the Lectures at the CRTS on March d. Reports by the following professors were received for 24-25, 2015 were received from Rev. R. Aasman and information: Rev. A. Souman. These reports gave reason for thank- 1. ATLA Conference Report by M. Alkema fulness since the students are being taught in faithful- 2. Calvin Studies Conference Report by Dr. T. Van ness to the Word of God and the Three Forms of Unity. Raalte b. The Key Thrusts and Key Initiatives of the “One Page 3. CSBS Ottawa Conference Report by Dr. J. Smith Strategic Plan for CRTS” were reviewed. One example 4. Report on the International Meeting of the Norwe- of a Key Initiative is a committee was tasked with pro- gian Summer Academy for Biblical Studies by Dr. posing a Satisfaction Survey to be filled out by the C. Van Dam

580 October 23, 2015 5. Christian Higher Education Canada (CHEC) Win- ponding Secretary who will make the changes and nipeg Conference Report by Dr. G. H. Visscher. complete the report. A final draft will be sent to the Since full membership status in CHEC requires Board for approval before sending it to the convening membership in the Evangelical Fellowship of Can- church of General Synod. ada (EFC), the Board accepted the recommenda- i. With regard to the ongoing assessment in connection tion of the Academic Committee to appoint Dr. A. with membership in the Association of Theological Pol and br. B. Medemblik to investigate member- Schools (ATS): A Strategic Information Report was re- ship in the EFC and to make a recommendation to ceived for information, as well as a Letter from ATS the Board about membership in this organization. requesting a report on Assessment Plan and Rubrics e. The chairman and vice-chairman reported that they had by October 15. Dr. G. Visscher noted that the report is met with the principal as per the Assessment Plan to re- near completion. view his performance and that everything is going well. j. The results of the Alumni Survey 2015 were discussed. f. The Governance Committee submitted items among k. Next meeting of the Board was scheduled, D. V., for which were changes to various bylaws and correspond- Jan. 14, 2016 at 1:00pm. ing sections of the College Handbook. The bylaw re- visions will be sent to General Synod 2016 for approval. Press release and closing g. The Annual Reports of the Finance and Property Com- The completion of the press release was delegated mittee (F&P) for 2014 and 2015 were received. The An- to the Vice Chairman in consultation the Executive and nual Budget 2016 and the Financial Statements 2014 the Principal, and Br. F. Oostdyk closed the meeting with were approved, as well as a Health and Safety Policy prayer and thanksgiving. drafted by the F&P. On behalf of the Board of Governors h. The Draft Report to General Synod 2016 was reviewed. of the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary, Corrections were suggested and noted by the Corres- Rev. J. Ludwig, Vice Chairman/Corresponding Clerk

Press Release of the CRMA (Canadian Reformed At the AGM, the executive led the members through Missions Association) Conference various items. Rev. James Visscher (chair) noted that all Canadian Reformed mission groups have joined the CRMA. September 12, 2015 It is fully understood that the CRMA is not another level On September 12, 2015, delegates of the Canadian of bureaucracy or hierarchy, but rather a clearinghouse Reformed mission organizations met in the Canadian Re- for sharing information and best practices in foreign and formed Theological Seminary chapel for the third annual cross-cultural missions. Dr. Arjan de Visser (vice-chair) meeting and conference hosted by the CRMA. Repre- gave a brief overview of the year’s activities; Otto Bouw- sented were the following groups: Abbotsford (Mexico), man (treasurer) presented the financial picture (fees will Aldergrove (Brazil), Ancaster (Streetlight), Cloverdale/ go down again!). Rev. John van Popta (secretary) intro- Langley (Asia), Hamilton Cornerstone (Brazil), Hamilton duced the CRMA website (www.reformedmissions.net) Providence (Philippines), Mission Aid Brazil (BC), Owen which will serve members as an easily accessible resource Sound (ERQuebec), Smithers (Prince George), Smithville for mission related issues. Any member of the CRMA can (West Timor), Toronto (Papua New Guinea), Winnipeg request access. The goal is to share policy documents and Redeemer (S. Manitoba), Yarrow (Brazil-ATC), CRBA agreements as appropriate, so as not to reinvent the wheel (Voice of the Church). Representatives of the CRWRF or work in silos in each corner of our federation. (Canadian Reformed World Relief Fund) and Brampton Dr. Karlo Janssen was given opportunity to lead a (Word & Spirit Center) attended as observers. discussion on a paper that had been circulated to all

October 23, 2015 581 delegates: Outreach and the CanRC Homefront. In it, Dr. board member of Free Reformed Missions International Janssen raised concerns about the complications that for seventeen years – to present his speech Lessons arise when various churches are involved in various Learned while bringing “Word” and “Deed” to the Devel- mission projects – alone or in cooperation. He advocated oping World. Mr. Postma’s presentation highlighted some for a closer look at our principles, process, and practice. of the challenges of working in the developing world, Just one example, what can a church – hoping to start both with respect to poverty alleviation and building up a local project – do when existing missions efforts keep the church. He recommended that North American as- expanding and requiring increased financial support? Is sistance function as scaffolding rather than as part of the that congregation obligated to continue support? No con- foundation of any projects we support. From the start, clusions were reached, but the paper served to air some every assistance or missions project should build in an current issues. It is available at the CRMA website. exit strategy. Serve, Proclaim, Disciple From a wealth of twenty-five years’ experience some The first speech,Serve – Proclaim – Disciple: An In- specific examples proved to be cautionary tales how formed/Reformed Approach to Doing Short-Term Missions, well-intentioned plans could prove problematic. A gen- was by Rev. Matt Filbert, the missions director for the Re- erous gesture of paying more than market value for a formed Presbyterian Church in North-America (RPCNA). mission-connected property in Central America had the One of his main tasks is the organization of short-term mis- unintended consequence of years of inflated land values sion trips (STM) for the young people of his church. RPCNA in the area. Postma cautioned against “founderitis” where STMs (two – six weeks) are typically carried out under the a project becomes identified with the person who started guidance and supervision of the local church leaders in the it, poured heart and soul into it, and now can’t let go. destination congregation, whether that be in North America He encouraged that any positions funded by North Amer- or overseas. This church would send in a request to the mis- ican monies should as a matter of course include a plan sions director for a team to come serve for a specific pur- to decrease foreign and increase local support. Encour- pose that the local session has planned. For example, one aging independence in the mission field should have prior- project was a summer-long VBS for a small Free Church in ity. He also cautioned against training indigenous pas- Scotland. The local session planned, and the young people tors in North America and then returning them to their implemented. Once the project was completed, the team home country with a North American salary. Training and could hand off the project to the congregation. equipping should occur within the local context. The RPCNA motto for STMs is “Serve, Proclaim, Dis- Mr. Postma concluded his speech with some point- ciple.” Most STMs focus on serving, and the RPCNAs do ed questions that churches in the developing world have that as well, allowing participants to grow, mature, and for North American churches. Can you bring the gospel explore how they can find their expression in Christ’s without bringing along Western materialism? Are you church. The “Proclaim” focus ensures that evangelism, prepared to serve in a hostile world, where you might rather than just “hands on work,” becomes a normal part lose your wealth or your charitable status for the sake of the mission trip. Participants learn to get beyond their of the gospel? Do you still have a prophetic role in your fear of speaking the gospel. Each STM also offers oppor- own North American society or do you simply mimic tunity to “Disciple,” perhaps with a pastor or elder by their your culture and entertain its members? Do you have side. Team members learn to avoid a McMission approach the humility to learn from us? Do you have a magnani- to STMs and realize that the church is in it for the long mous spirit to work alongside us in genuine, respectful haul. Faithfulness takes priority over “success.” The goal partnership? Or are we simply the means to fulfill your is to carry out missions from a consistently biblical and own mission plans in our country? Good questions for Reformed perspective, confident that Reformed theology reflection, indeed (www.wordanddeed.org). will compel and propel God’s people into a needy world. As the conference wrapped up, some delegates took The ensuing discussion allowed attendees to explore how opportunity to connect over dinner with counterparts such a program might function in their own particular from across our land. Lessons learned in hand, each will context (www.RPMissions.org). return to their own particular mission organization fur- Lessons learned while bringing “Word” and “Deed” ther equipped to carry on bringing the Good News to the The afternoon session gave opportunity to Rick ends of the earth. Postma – a Word & Deed North America director and past Reporter: Sarah Vandergugten C

582 October 23, 2015 ADVERTISEMENTS

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Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. ( Psalm 127:3) 1960 ~ November 5 ~ 2015 The LORD has entrusted to us yet another one of his covenant I lift up my eyes to the hills. Psalm 121 children. With great thankfulness we announce the birth of WILLIAM and ELIZABETH OOSTDYK (Lindhout) our sixth child, a son, whom we have named We thank the Lord for his great goodness in their marriage, ANDREW HENRI DEN HOLLANDER and may He continue to surround them with his love Andrew was born on August 9, 2015. in years to come. Arie and Tamara den Hollander With much love, William, Lucas, Abigail, Esther and Jonathan Mary and Mark Deboer 42nd grandchild for Rev. Willem and Gertie den Hollander Michael and Esther Deboer 38th grandchild for Luke and Ena Jonker Victoria 7170 Chippewa Road E. Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0 Jonathan and Krystal Deboer Email: [email protected] David and Maria Deboer Lisa Janet and Allan Schutten OBITUARIES Jason Lisa Daniel In his time God took home our sister Tyler Jordan ANNETTE ROSE GIESBRECHT Joanne and Herman Jans on August 27, 2015 at the age of 72 years. Darryl She may now sing God’s praises forever. Sarah Devon Women’s Society “Forward in Faith” Trent Grace Can. Ref. Church at Winnipeg Linda and Jim Kay Megan Nicola WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Olivia Michelle and Rick Nordeman Madelyn and Ken Poort 1980 ~ October 10 ~ 2015 Owen With thankfulness to the Lord, who has kept them in his care th Ryan we announce the 35 Wedding Anniversary of our dear Andrew parents and grandparents Nathan ARNOLD and MARIAN VANLAAR (nee Onderwater) Leah We are thankful to God for his blessings over the years. May He Address: 539 Rosedale Crescent, Burlington, ON L7N 2T2 continue to bless you and keep you in his care in the years to come. [email protected] Chilliwack, BC: Dave and Carla VanLaar Adelle, Beth, Ezra, Judah Rosedale, BC: Mike VanLaar Agassiz, BC: Geoff and Ashley VanLaar Clarion magazine Online Camron, Alivia, Abigail, Tara, Joelle Abbotsford, BC: Phil and Natalie VanLaar Find it all at Julia and Darryl VanDelft Luke www.clarionmagazine.ca Rosedale, BC: Linda VanLaar 10213 Royalwood Blvd, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X1

October 23, 2015 583 TEACHING POSITIONS

The Board of Coaldale Christian School The board for the Tyndale invites applications for Christian School Society POSITIONS AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL of Calgary invites applications for the following positions in High School English, and in High School Science. FULL-TIME SECONDARY GRADES TEACHER Preference will be given to applicants with a Bachelor of FULL TIME EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT Education degree who would be able to teach a variety of subjects and/or grade levels. We encourage students graduating Tyndale Christian School is a Reformed K-12 school with in 2016 to submit letters of interest for future consideration. an enrollment of 83 students. We offer a supportive school community, enthusiastic volunteer base, and competitive wages and Coaldale Christian School offers Kindergarten to Grade 12 benefits. We are seeking energetic individuals who are committed education and currently has a student body of 171. We anticipate to the Reformed Faith and to Christian education. significant growth over the next several years resulting in an increased number of elementary classes. The Lord willing, the We are specifically looking for a high school teacher new addition to the school building will be completed (all disciplines considered). by September 2016. A Bachelor of Education is a requirement for the teaching position. An EA Certificate is preferred for the EA position. To submit an application or to receive further information about our school or about our area, please contact: If you would like further information about the opportunities, Mr. Stuart Boeve, Board Chairman school operations or living in the beautiful Calgary area, Phone: 403-223-4916 please contact the board chairman: Email: [email protected] Mr. Joe Schouten Mr. Joop Harthoorn, Principal Home: 403-568-2822, [email protected] Or the principal: Mr. Ed Hoogerdyk Phone: 403-345-4891 Home: 403-285-4680, [email protected] Email: [email protected] Application may be sent to: Applications can be sent to: Mr. Stuart Boeve Lyndon Kok, Secretary of the Board Coaldale Christian School, 2008 - 8 Street, Coaldale, AB T1M 1L1 138 Mount Douglas Point SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3J8 [email protected]

The Canadian Reformed School Society of Edmonton, operating Parkland Immanuel Christian School, invites applications for the 2016-2017 school year for the position of PRINCIPAL Parkland Immanuel Christian School operates a growing, reformed, K-12 school with 325 students, and a staff of 30 teachers and educational assistants. The school is blessed to have a supportive school community, competitive wages, and a collaborative and professional environment that encourages and supports excellence in teaching. Applicants must be a professed member in good standing of a Canadian Reformed, United Reformed, or sister church, and must have the necessary post-secondary qualifications to teach in Alberta. They will have the necessary skills and desire to serve the school community with responsible leadership, educational expertise, and superior communication skills. The closing date for applications is Monday, November 30th, 2015. For further information, please contact the Board President, Mr. Rob Appleyard Home Phone: 780-633-5807, Cell Phone: 780-239-7622 Email: [email protected] Applications should be emailed to the address above, or directed in writing to the school: Mr. Rob Appleyard, Chair of Principal Search Committee c/o Parkland Immanuel Christian School 21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6

584 October 23, 2015 A Caring, Christian Environment

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October 23, 2015 585 On the Trail of Martin Luther

Join your hosts: Rev. Ben Berends and his wife Wies August 31, 2016 and follow in the footsteps of Martin Luther. You will connect with the places where he lived, studied, worked and preached. This epic journey takes you across Germany and deep into History. 11 Days ~ 14 Meals Highlights: Worms, Gutenberg Museum, Mainz, Erfurt, Wartburg Castle, Lutherhaus, Dresden, Leipzig, St. Thomas Church, Eisleben, Wittenberg, St. Mary’s Church, Berlin Included in Price: Round-trip Air from Vancouver (other air gateways available), air taxes and fees/surcharges of $650 per person, hotel, transfers. For reservations contact: * * Double $4429 Single $5069 Fred DeHaas 604-795-6066 or 1-800-811-1733 Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Chilliwack, BC *Price includes the $200 savings. For bookings made after March 1, 2016 call for rates. [email protected]

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October 23, 2015 587 You need to have a branch

a growing steel service centre located in Stoney Creek, Ontario, is looking for motivated individuals close by. for the position of INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC (MILLWRIGHT) Really? When’s the last time The ideal candidate would be a licensed Millwright (433a) with experience in the steel processing industry but neither you visited one? of these requirements are mandatory. We provide competitive wages, full benefits Edmonton Lethbridge T. 780.426.7165 T. 403.328.0711 and a safe and dynamic work environment that is fast-paced TF.1.877.426.0506 and team-oriented. This position involves rotational shift work. www.christiancu.ca All interested individuals are encouraged to email their [email protected] resume to [email protected] PM 40063293

588 October 23, 2015