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Not about us: Twenty 20-somethings living the faith once asked them Judith Dinsmore how to respond These twenty, hailing from across the country, have four things in to someone who common: they are all young-ish, they are all Reformed, they are all said God ex- Canadian and they are simply not interested in talking about them- isted, but their selves. They want to talk about what they’re doing, thank you very good works were much, and why they’re doing it. good enough for And so what follows is not a glam list of up-and-coming Christian him. “None of celebrities. Rather, it’s a series of snapshots of God’s nurturing, wit- Josh Kooiman, 24 [the kids] had an nessing, society-changing work happening through these millennials. Smithville CRC, Hamilton, Ont. answer because Graduated now for two years, they said they Growing/ Nurturing Josh Kooiman is working in archi- had never met tectural construction and striving for someone like that Katie Mcnaughton, 21 field. . . I think people can definitely fairness and ethics in his workplace. before. I was like, Edmonton, Alta. be called to work in regular areas on “In construction we deal a lot you’re 14 and In her fourth year at the Uni- the home front,” she explained. with contracts and being ethical in you’ve never met versity of Alberta, Katie Mc- Mcnaughton is heavily in- subtrades; it’s very easy to cheat a non-Christian like that?” Mark DeVos, 28 naughton is a forestry student who volved with campus ministry at and lie and twist the truth and Growing up in the church, Koo- First Hamilton CRC, Hamilton, Ont. spends time with trees and people the university, and said it can be make an extra ten grand some- iman realized, can lead to an iso- Chaplain at Redeemer College, – but not in equal amounts. This a challenge to convince students where,” Kooiman explained. His lated faith that doesn’t know how Mark DeVos has also recently summer she was working in the of the importance of church and company’s challenge is to treat to cope with the world’s questions. begun working for Cardus U, a bush. With 10 days on and four a Christian community: “the stu- everyone with fairness and re- Instead, Kooiman wants to “make social architecture organization, days off, working “in the middle dents have well-rounded lives; spect. ILn the future, Kooiman is it all flow together.” with the mission to introduce of nowhere” in Alberta, she found they’re trying to have a career, get interested in working more with “Rock climbing is good, drink- would-be world-changers to a her job a “real break for my soul.” a job . . . it doesn’t make any logi- the contracts that bind the contrac- ing beer is good and Bible study is network. But while it affords her time away cal sense to add 4-5 hours to their tors to make them more ethical. good. A lot of people see a discon- He works closely with the Car- from people in the summer, during week.” But with patience learned He also challenges the youth in nect there, but every square inch dus U cohort, five young-ish indi- the school year it affords her time from forestry, Mcnaughton and his church to act more ethically, and everything you do can praise viduals who dream big and seek re- with people. “Forestry is my mission her team persevere. from the opposite perspective. He God,” he said. Continued on page 2 PAGE 2 christian courier News

Not about us: Twenty 20-somethings living the faith continued from page 1 newal. DeVos explained that Cardus U desired such a cohort Philip Bulsink, 25 and work is really important,” she explained. “If you’re because “they have potential, they have time, they have ideas Calvin CRC, Ottawa, Ont. trying to build intentional relationships, it’s more likely that remain untested, and they understand the value . . . of Philip Bulsink is a chemist – he to happen with people who are in your lives in a regular working together to accomplish something substantial.” just submitted his thesis for a mas- basis.” Christian millennials, DeVos articulated, are often living ter’s degree – who loves a good con- And yes, that even means the cashier at the local store. within the tension of both desiring to belong and desiring con- versation and a good glass of beer. Kwan and others went around to local businesses when the trol. Cardus U, with its focus on full-bodied, integrative experi- While studying at the University of church started seven years ago, to let them know about the ence, is “responding to a need people have to work on something Ottawa, he helped found a campus brand-new church and ask for prayer requests. substantial” – to belong to a place, and also work to better it. ministry which, among other events, “I’m passionate about thinking about people being mis- Mark DeVos sees himself as “equipping this generation hosts a weekly event at a local pub sionaries in their own communities,” Kwan said. She is to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs both.” centered on just that: beer and conversation. also on the board of the local branch of Resist Exploitation, And even looking 10 or 20 years down the road, he can’t “There were weeks where I was the only one who showed Embrace Dignity (REED). see that commitment changing. up,” he remembers. “But it has morphed into something bigger.” “There are people who show up to Brew who make it Courtney Mooney, 29 Laura Pol, 22 known that they’re not Christians, but they show up for the Crosstowne Community Russell Presbyterian Church, conversation, for the debate that we have,” Bulsink explained. Church, Milton, Ont. Russell, Ont. Also on the Transitional Committee for his church, Bulsink A recent seminary Back when she was a girl, doesn’t see himself as a leader – instead, he constantly points g r a d u a t e , C o u r t n e y graphic designer and photogra- toward the work of other leaders. But he both acknowledges Mooney is not interested pher Laurel Pol knew a woman and enacts the importance of millennials in leadership. in doing missions. That is named Hazel in Kansas. And Ha- “People are really happy to have [young adults] help to say, she’d rather not say zel, though now deceased, is still out with little things, like making coffee on Sundays . . . it like that. Her work with inspiring Pol. but when you give somebody something real to do, then downtown Hamilton relief “I learned a lot by just watching their engagement goes up,” he said. organization Mission Services really “opened my eyes to a her,” Pol explained. “She was such And the proof is in the pudding: when Bulsink heard whole community that I love,” Mooney explained. a lady, so gracious, so hospitable and so loving.” So Pol the story of a refugee from Uganda in his congregation, it “I don’t want to see it as me doing missions. These took a page from Hazel’s book and last Mother’s Day threw inspired him and others to found Giving Refugees Hope in people have become my friends,” she said. a tea party for the girls in her church, but with a twist only Uganda, an organization living out its name. Mooney is involved with a number of different out- possible in the twentieth century: she crafted a video of the reaches and worship places, including a new restaurant that little girls’ comments about and to their moms. opened up on one of the worst streets in Hamilton, known “The video was not a crazy setup or anything . . . but Society-changing for its drugs, violence and prostitution. the reactions of the mothers after they saw the video was “Someone called 541 Restaurant ‘a flower in a barren incredible,” Pol said. “Mothers don’t always know that Jennifer Lucking, 27 land,’’ Mooney explained. And Barton Street is certainly they’re doing it right, and that’s hard!” she explained. Pol Westdale Reformed barren. Once, Mooney smiled hello at a guy on the street. “I also uses her photography skills to gift families or individu- Church, Hamilton, Ont. was half a kilometer down the street and he ran up behind als who otherwise could not afford professional photos. Jennifer Lucking is jug- me and tapped my shoulder and said, ‘I just want to thank And Pol is mimicking Hazel’s hospitality as well: she gling several caps: mother of you for saying hi because nobody on Barton does that.’” and her husband open their home to young adult ministry a baby girl, student working Mooney is seeking to live holistically; instead of an “us in their church to help integrate people from a variety of on a masters degree and the and them” mentality, she’d rather just have “us.” She hopes backgrounds through earnest prayer and study. Their goal? RCA’s Coordinator for Hu- someday to do chaplaincy, is currently in a two-year program “The more honesty, the better,” Pol said. man Trafficking Outreach. to be ordained in the CRC, and just began a job at a church After hands-on outreach plant in Milton called Crosstowne Community Church. Luke Wilson, 28 volunteering for a relief organization called Walk With Me, New Hope CRC, where Lucking worked with adults who had exited the human Danielle Rowaan, 24 Hamilton, Ont. trafficking trade sometimes just a couple of hours previously, New Hope CRC, Luke Wilson didn’t think Lucking is now bringing her heart for victims to churches. Hamilton, Ont. he’d be doing this job. But Every church’s response to the crisis is different. “I help Danielle Rowaan when the recession lost him churches find their role – it might be changing what coffee thought her calling was his position at an architecture they use during fellowship time . . . or it might be contrib- across the ocean; she firm, he started rethinking his uting x number of dollars per year,” Lucking explained. served in Mali after gradu- career. And someone sug- While on the road and at home, Lucking wants Chris- ating and loved the min- gested A Rocha, a Christian tians to know two things: istry. However, when she organization dedicated to “One, trafficking victims have been found in lucrative, led a trip to an aboriginal scientific research, the en- million-dollar homes. Don’t think it can’t happen in your reserve in B.C., she realized there was work to be done in vironment and community- neighbourhood, because it can and it does. Two, everyone her own country as well. “Seeing how historically [the indig- based conservation. can be an abolitionist.” enous] have been oppressed by the church, I found a place Wilson volunteered, then interned, then got a job with A So what is an abolitionist? Lucking was hoping you’d for myself in the story that God is writing right now in our Rocha. Now he’s heading up its most recent site in Ham- ask: “someone who strives to end slavery; someone who country that hits close to home,” she explained. ilton, Ont. He describes A Rocha’s mission as trying to be acts justly, befriends compassionately and consumes wisely.” Rowaan is now the Justice Communications and Edu- “an incredibly welcome and hospitable place.” In the city, it cation Coordinator for the CRC, working for the Centre is partnering with World Vision to create an Earth-to-Table Leanne Kwan, 32 for Public Dialogue, Office of Social Justice, Canadian project; A Rocha is also planning to turn a donated farm Downtown Friends in Aboriginal Ministries Committee and the Office of Race into an agricultural retreat. Vancouver, B.C. Relations. She also curates the Do Justice blog. These projects are, for Wilson, all about stewarding the A clinical pharmacist “I am really hungry to see a church that’s involved in environment and Creation care, a “no-brainer.” by day, Leanne Kwan justice work, a church that lives a gospel that is actually And although he admits environmentalism might seem helped start a church in good news for the marginalized,” she said. like just another social justice trend, A Rocha is bigger than Vancouver called “Down- But she doesn’t think she is the first: “I’m standing on a hipster poster. It is about offering hope and solutions, he town Friends” where the the shoulders of those who . . . have caught God’s loyal, said. “In the environmental community – a community that mission is to be missional. ever-pursuing heart for the marginalized people.” is often despairing – an organization that is hopeful and “Being a part of the Meet more of the people happy is quite rare.” community where we live we interviewed on pages 8 and 16. nMyovember Window 10, 2014 Seat The Public Square page 3 Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides Column From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang AutumnMarian Van Til psalm

Some of the most beautiful poetry in the Bible is found in the psalms. In them, Toddlers tothe Teens Israel of 3,000 years ago is preservedFrom the Lab in the imagery and the observations of Denise Dykstrathe poets. We can easily see the shepRudy- Eikelboom herds and their flocks, the green pas- tures, the still waters, the lions that once SU MO TU WE roamed and roared in the countryside. All of this is kept TH FR Principalities SA alive in our mind’s eye, even as the world has changed.Everyday Christian &If Poweryou go sto Israel today, it’s a different place. Not nearlyDavid so K wild.oyzis Not so pastoral. Not what David wouldCathy Smith have recognized as his home – the place whose majesty caused him to reflect not only on the beauty of what he saw, but what that beauty said about his Creator. For the psalmists,Technically nature Speaking was a powerful way to understand theGetting Unstuck mind and the intention of Yahweh. DerekI often Sc wonderhuurman what the psalmists would have learnedArlene Van Hove about God if they’d lived somewhere else. I wonder what kind of poetry they would have written if they had grown up – not in the rolling Judean hillsides, where the seasons andIntangible the changes Things between them are subtle – but in, say,Flowers and Thistles SouthernHeidi V anderOntario, Slikke where January and July are as differentCurt Gesch as the sides of the moon. The land has reached its last ripening. What would David have said about On- Everyday opera tailpipe of the commuter’s car. The dragonfly frozen on tarioCountry in autumn? Living Of the Words from This is a season when we spend a the patio door screen. The squirrels storing away their explosion of colour in Wild Horses Saturday snipping back the dead-heads horde for the winter. The wild birds chevron squawking ourMeindert forests – V andander what Galien Warkentins from the garden, our fingers numb from southward across the sky. The soft smoke rising once would he have writ- the work – and when we feel the change again from chimneys. The girls in their puffy boots and ten about our hills, far that is coming through the leather in our even puffier coats. The boys in their tasseled toques and as the eye can see, on gloves, through the skin of our fingers goofy grins, making smoke with their breath and smiling. firePatchwork with red and Wo goldrd s Our World Today into our bones, where it lives and settles What would all this tell us about God? and yellow? Would he and tells us that cold is here to stay. And What would a psalmist – born in the Holy Land 3,000 haveMeliss seena aK metaphoruipers Bert Hielema the quiet. And the dark. This, too, the years ago – have made of Ontario’s everyday opera at this for the way that God psalmists would have time of the year? What would these sights, tastes, sounds, makes everything seen as a way to under- textures and tones tell us about the one who made us? This new – sometimes God speaks through the stand the mind of God, profound cycle of fall giving way to snow and silence and through literal flame, soft applause of leaves. who in the fallible flesh ultimately the noise and business of spring and summer? often through figura- of our bodies has told I think the psalmists would tell us that that we are sur- tive flame – through the dying of the old ways to us – year over year and rounded by words written in the sky and the forests and the make way for what’s next? season over season – land that tell us, in no uncertain terms, that God loves us. At this time of the year we are – without a that we don’t stay green That the seasons are a metaphor for his plans for us. And doubt – surrounded by changes in the landscape and young and strong that autumn – whether on the calendar or in our own lives – that are symphonic. The bold, bright notes of forever. But that there is a season that brings us to calm, to quiet, to truth. a tree blazing crimson against a warm orange Families come together again after is peace and pleasure in sunset before the night frost settles, in a warning summer’s hectic pace. the process of gathering of what’s to come. The staccato percussion of pumpkins for the winter, and that with faith, we can learn to accept Lloyd Rang is Director of Communications at the U of T dotting a farmer’s field – saying that the land has reached everything from that first chill draft through the open Faculty of Medicine and a part-time political consultant. He lives in Bowmanville, Ont. and attends Rehoboth CRC. its last ripening. The string section of brook trout muscling bedroom window to the hardest frost that makes you late their way upstream – silver and grey against waterfalls for work with the effort of scraping that tell them that the way home won’t be easy, but that the the windshield. reward that lies ahead will be eternal. The soft applause of Autumn. When we leave for leaves, falling, blowing and signaling an end to the music work – and close the front door on before the long silence of winter snows. These sounds the warm smells of oatmeal and cof- would have delighted the psalmists, who knew that God fee and eggs – and our noses stand speaks in our world if we only take a moment to listen. at attention in the cold morning air. The autumn brings the harvest in – and the flavours Autumn. When the sweet scent of that, this time of year, spoil us with a richness and a fresh-cut summer grass is a memory. warmth that defines “comfort food.” A pot of butternut When those things that don’t decay squash soup – warm and creamy and seasoned to per- and decompose depart for places that fection – slow cooked in a Dutch oven brings families are warmer and more alive. Autumn. together again around the table after a summer’s hectic When the air is somehow cleaner pace. This is the time of year when we close our bar- than we remember, and sharper, and beques and our decks and rediscover how our stoves can we are more awake than we’ve been warm our homes and how the conversation over a kitchen in many months. What would the counter with a glass of Pelee Island Pinot Noir can loosen psalmists say about all of this? our hearts along with our tongues. We can sit back after a What would the psalmists say meal and unbuckle our belts and say for the first time – in about what we see? The specter of what seems like forever – that we are full, and satisfied. steam rising once again from the Call-out Young adults form groups less around culture, tradition and structure, and more around passion and active involvement in the issues facing us.

PAGE 4 christian courier

Editorials

Classified Doom and gloom or bright young stars?

Angela Reitsma Bick Mark Wallace The shooting death of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo hit home for me because There is a lot of polarity in the media and other conversations when I fell in love with a man in uniform. I’ve eaten dinner in the Officers it comes to reporting on the 20+ age group in our society. At one end, Mess of Hamilton’s John Foote Armouries – home base for Cpl. Cirillo. “doom and gloom” where we read about the so-called slackers, mostly I’ve trailed behind the tidy formations of men and women marching up male, who inhabit the dens of their family homes, self-absorbed and James Street to the cenotaph at Gore Park. Stood among the crowds for amusing themselves to death with online gaming. At the other end are Remembrance Day ceremonies and blinked back tears. the lists of “30 under 30” that highlight bright young “emerging leaders.” Cirillo’s death, along with that of While I don’t want to downplay the harsh reality of our relatively well-educated young Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, was adults, many of whom are, and may continue to be under-employed, I remain hopeful for felt across Canada. We mourned but their and our future. While I am aware of the bleak statistics that highlight the exodus were also rattled by the violent attacks of young adults from traditional congregational settings and statistics, I do not despair. on our men in uniform stationed not Although I rejoice in reading about young adults who are already making a significant in overseas conflicts but here at home. mark on the world and who are already strong leaders, I don’t celebrate too much over And yet, in the days after this assault, their accomplishments. There remains a long path ahead and early success is not always soldiers continued – undaunted – to an indicator of life-long impact. guard the National War Memorial in Between these poles of slackers and stars are young adults who give me hope for the Ottawa where Cpl. Cirillo was killed. future of both the Church and our local communities. In this middle ground I find young The first Sunday after these two Standing vigil over the 401 highway. adults struggling to make sense of their world and faith, and to live and work in ways murders, I was deeply moved by a sermon that Daryl Stogryn gave at our church. He’s that are open and sustainable. They occupy a cultural space that is much more diverse the Director of Global Engagement for Youth for Christ Canada. Stogryn travels world- and open than the one I grew up in. Categories are more fluid and right action appears to wide to meet, encourage and train young Christians. He preached on Hebrews 11:30-12:2, take precedence over, or perhaps acts as a precursor to, right thinking. What is described that list of the witnesses, dense as a cloud, who “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, as a lack of loyalty should be seen more as an openness and acceptance of the other, and obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the a valuing of difference. Young adults, in my experience, are forming groups less around edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign culture, tradition and structure, and more around passion and active involvement in the armies to flight.” All by faith, so that we might cast aside our burdens (of depression, of issues facing us. apathy, of hatred) and give a little bit more of our lives over to Christ. This tendency toward the pragmatic means they have less patience with, or interest When darkness seems to be gaining ground, I feel it like a weight on my shoulders. in, structures and processes that are designed to make sure things are done properly and When evil takes another life, we feel it like a sick drip of despair in the stomach. in good order. They want to get something done, and in this way they are connected with Current events can convince us that ours is a degenerate time – maybe the most degen- previous generations of young adults who have also wanted to change their world. erate ever. These moments, Stogryn said, when we know things are not right – these are the moments Leading us to change to tell stories of the righteous one. Let the great cloud of witnesses speak and then join in, When their passions for making a difference undaunted, with accounts of how God has been active in your life. This is what the Israelites collide with the harsh realities of reduced op- did in exile to remind each other of God’s faithfulness. This is what the author of Hebrews portunities and being a generation that is on did for the Jewish Christians enduring persecution. It’s what Stogryn’s sermon did for me. track to be less well off than their parents, new And this is what we’re trying to do in Christian Courier this week – uplift our readers communities are being formed. The statistics with stories of how the next generation in Canada hears God’s voice, and the many cre- tell us that marriage is being delayed, as well as ative and inspiring ways they are responding. We bear witness, sometimes in small ways. parenthood in some segments. Young adults are But even bearing witness can build to something powerful, as it did when thousands of renting or buying homes together, continuing to Canadians stood bridge-vigil to honour Cpl. Cirillo while his body travelled home from live together as friends well beyond their post- Community is being re-invigorated by Ottawa to Hamilton. secondary education years. Being single, at last, sharing lives rather than programs. At a conference last week, a stranger asked me, “What kind of stuff do you print in is being seen not as a stage in life, but a viable and healthy option. Small, loosely affili- this paper?” ated groups are re-invigorating community life through house concerts, neighbourhood “I always lean toward the associations and by meeting community needs through shared lives instead of programs. Christian Courier pieces that give hope,” I said – All of this, the normal lives of those in their 20s, does give me great hope, both for the Founded in 1945 not overthinking it (for once). Church and for the community I live in. Through my own daughter, I know firsthand the An independent biweekly that seeks to engage creatively in And he replied, “Amen.” benefits of the efforts young adults are bringing to our community. Yet I don’t see her or critical Christian journalism, connecting Christians with a network On Sunday Pastor Stogryn her friends in church on Sunday morning as they explore new ways of being a worshipping of culturally savvy partners in faith for the purpose of inspiring all to participate in God’s renewing work within his fallen creation. spoke of young missionaries community. Dare I say that this also gives me great hope, that they could be leading us he’s met in China, Lebanon, to change? The statistics of our declining denomination are not due only to an exodus of EDITORIAL TEAM & PRODUCTION STAFF Editor: Angela Reitsma Bick [email protected] Liberia and Afghanistan, risk- young adults. The decline is marked by our failure to effectively be engaged in and with Features Editor: Cathy Smith [email protected] ing their lives for God every our communities. We spend too much time inside our own walled community instead of Church News Editor: Marian Van Til [email protected] day. “These are the stories that joining in God’s mission of bringing shalom to the world. Reviews Editor: Brian Bork [email protected] the enemy doesn’t want us to Meanwhile, our young adults are seeking out and helping create new structures, new Contributing Editor: Bert Witvoet [email protected] know,” he said. “And they in- expressions of church that do connect with the communities they are in. This is what Contributing Editor: Michael Buma [email protected] Admin/ads/web: Ineke Medcalf-Strayer [email protected] spire me to live a richer, more causes me not to despair over those who have chosen to withdraw, or to put too much Circulation: Rose der Nederlanden [email protected] faithful life.” hope and pressure on those bright young stars. Instead it is the faithful openness and life Social Media Editor: Rachel Baarda [email protected] Amen, I thought. of the average young adult that suggests they are following God into mission, even when Christian Courier is published by the Board of Reformed Faith Witness. In that sense, these pages it is difficult for us to recognize it as such. The publication of comments, opinions or advertising does not imply are all Classified – not some- In short, it does seem that young adults are better at joining in the work that God is do- agreement or endorsement by Christian Courier or the publisher. Please contact circulation if you cannot afford the subscription price thing the enemy wants you to ing, while those of us in older generations focus more on preserving what God has done. of $65.00 but want to receive Christian Courier. get your hands on. But that too is an oversimplification and creates another polarity. Clearly our young adults The paper is published the second and fourth Mondays of the month. We’re here to give the have much to offer, and God is using them to lead the Church to new places and forms. At Christian Courier Tel: 905-682-8311 cloud of witnesses the Free- the same time these young adults need the resources of older generations – time, money, 5 Joanna Dr 1-800-969-4838 St Catharines ON L2N 1V1 Web site: christiancourier.ca dom of Information Act. experience and wisdom. What gives me the most hope, then, is not the young adults on Angela’s husband is now their own, but these young adults in multi-generational communities as both leaders and “We acknowledge the learners so that together we might join in God’s mission. [financial] support of the retired from the Reserves. Government of Canada.” The Bicks live with their Mark is a bi-national leader for Christian Reformed Home Missions three kids in Newcastle, Ont. working to start and support campus ministries, and to develop leaders. november 10, 2014 page 5

Letters

Open forum appreciated How CC gets around Thank you for the quality paper you publish. Word-of-mouth sustains Christian Cou- love it if, when you’re done reading it, you And thank you especially for the Thanksgiving rier more than an ad campaign ever could. pass it on to a university student. Encourage issue (Oct. 13, 2014). How I enjoyed Joyce Your support means that we can continue him or her to subscribe. And why not help Sutphen’s poem “Next Time.” And not only the to bring you award-winning news, features your peers discover CC too by giving them poem but also the many good articles, among and columns every two weeks. a year’s subscription for a gift? them David Koyzis’ on Scotland’s decision, At a few recent conferences, I met CC I also want to mention that you are free Lloyd Rang’s look at the world (and his an- readers from across Canada. And I can’t to reproduce material in CC anytime, pro- cient ancestry). With Mike Buma I am also sad count how many times people came over vided the source is clear. We get regular over the way Bob DeMoor was treated and I to say they enjoy reading CC . . . without requests for a variety of articles – for wonder why we need to muzzle fellow believ- subscribing themselves. If that applies to small group study, church council dis- ers. What is needed is a forum where we can you, call 1-800-969-4838 or click “sub- cussions and more. Ask about our group openly discuss the issues that matter today. And scribe” at christiancourier.ca today. rates for congregations and schools – you I believe that Christian Courier provides that. Our writers put much time and energy never know when an article might spark Martin Bosveld into each issue. Did you know that the paper dialogue over coffee, in a group study or Chatham, Ontario you hold in your hands is the result of two even ideas for a class lesson plan! Name-changing may months of hard work and visioning? We’d – Angela Reitsma Bick, Editor have been normal CC shaping ministry Michael Buma’s article “Jesus was not a sheep” (October 13, 2014) was very good ex- As a representative of younger leadership in the Christian Reformed denomination, cept for one sentence: when he decided Ruth’s I appreciate the current and thought-provoking articles in Christian Courier. The social story was fiction because her husband’s name justice issues addressed, the spiritually discerning writers and the challenging insights was likely not real. Before we decide this we are all inspiring. I’m grateful for Angela Reitsma Bick’s leadership as Editor and I have need to check whether the Bible and the He- great respect for the way CC transitioned from veteran to younger leadership in such brews would agree with this decision. Naomi a collaborative fashion. I wanted to change her name to match her situ- grew up reading Christian ation. That must have been a normal process. Courier, and the kingdom Naomi may have changed her son’s names vision presented by the di- Christian Courier's after they died to match their situation or the verse writers has shaped Carry Us Forward writer did for more literary effect. Only west- my ministry efforts. Spe- ern Christians would decide the whole story cifically, this past year Pe- Campaign is fiction rather than fact due to one “prob- ter Schuurman’s articles on 200 lem” they cannot solve. Hebrew writers did “Fractured Flocks” inspired Keep this thoughtful ministry not seem to worry about such little details to a group of us leaders from alive by helping us get 175 200 NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS ensure everything was “factual.” British Columbia to em- 150 August Guillaume Columnist retrospective: Do you recognize bark on a prayer and dis- by January 2015. Edmonton, Alberta our writers in these photos from their youth? cernment retreat in order to 125 reflect on future ministry in Get a friend or family member to subscribe 100 Literary metaphor obvious the CRC. OR give a gift subscription With all due respect to Michael Buma for he believes that “Everything depends on the I encourage young min- Receive TWO FREE MONTHS yourself! 75 his Oct. 13 guest editorial (“Jesus was not a fact that the Word literally was made flesh, istry leaders to subscribe 50 sheep”), I don’t know anyone who seriously actually died for our sins and bodily rose to Christian Courier to Email 25 25 thinks Jesus is a sheep. This is because the again,” Buma provides no literary reason as be challenged and encour- [email protected] figurative nature of the language is obvious. It to why we should take our Lord’s incarna- aged to engage in healthy 1-800-969-4838 0 is entirely different from saying that it doesn’t tion and resurrection literally when millions dialogue. matter if the Ruth story is fact or fiction. Ruth of liberal Christians (including not a few Rachel Vroege gave birth to Obed, the grandfather of King scholars) do not. Diaconal Ministries David. Unless we are prepared to consign Da- I am not in a position to say if “aspiring Canada vid to the realm of mythology (which some pastors at Calvin Seminary are instructed not Regional Ministry do), Obed was also a historical figure. Ruth to preach on the textual history of the Bible Developer for has honourable mention in the genealogy of because this subject has the potential to de- Western Canada Christ. In fact, although not all mothers are stroy people’s faith.” The reason I wouldn’t mentioned, Ruth is because she represented preach on this topic is not because it destroys Christian Courier a Gentile in Christ’s ancestry. The two sons faith – rather the reverse is true – but because Canada mail: U.S. mail: of Naomi and Elimelech were likely named the pulpit is not the place for an academic Publications Mail Agreement No. 40009999 Christian Courier (USPS 518-090) “Death” and “Pestilence” (or perhaps more lecture on textual criticism. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Second-class postage paid at accurately, “Sickly” and “Wasting Away”) be- Throughout its history, the Christian church Christian Courier Lewiston NY 5 joanna dr Postmaster: send address changes cause that was the tragic situation into which has – for the most part – managed quite well to St. Catharines ON L2n 1v1 to: Christian Courier, Box 110 they were born, not because they later died in distinguish between various types of literature email: [email protected] Lewiston NY 14092 Edom, a land of plenty. in Scripture. (Historic interpretations of the Subscriptions: Canada and USA Overseas Buma rejects the “slippery slope” argu- Song of Songs, pre-millenial interpretations one year (24 issues) $65.00 $100 ment and insists that “If it is possible for of the Book of Revelation and the Roman two years (48 issues) $120.00 someone to believe that an omniscient and Catholic/Lutheran insistence on the physical Advertising deadlines: display and classified advertising: Tuesday, 9 a.m. (13 days before immortal member of the Godhead became presence of Christ in the eucharist are excep- publication date) See classified pages or web site www.christiancourier.ca for more details. human and died to remit for all eternity their tions.) To compare foundational historical (ISSN 1192-3415) Published second and fourth Mondays of the month. personal culpability for sin, surely it isn’t a documents to obvious literary metaphors is stretch to believe that this all-powerful and more than “slightly controversial” and trivi- Address all correspondence to: 5 Joanna Dr, St. Catharines ON L2N 1V1 beneficent God might sometimes speak in alizes the seriousness of the issues at stake. Tel: 905-682-8311 or 1-800-969-4838 e-mail: Advertising: [email protected] poetry.” Of course God speaks in poetry. The J. Cameron Fraser Subscriptions: [email protected] PRINTED IN CANADA Bible is full of it. But, other than the fact that Lethbridge, Alberta PAGE 6 christian courier News

Grace Toronto’s First Women’s conference starts many conversations

A. A. Adourian How often do you wonder, “Lord, what are you calling me to do? Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing?” The organizers of the first Grace Toronto Women’s Conference – A Grace Conversation: Women & Calling – brought over 150 women together on Saturday September 27 at Ryerson University in Toronto to further focus these thoughts. Speakers, panelists and attendees ranged in age from their mid-twenties to a few that were young at heart. Effort was made to address the spectrum of a woman’s life – sin- gleness to holy sexuality to career, marriage, and mother- hood. The main message from Romans 1:6 – we are called McNaughton (centre) spoke on God's wisdom, kindness and Women of all ages discussed what it means to be called by God. to belong to Jesus – was divided into several “calls.” goodness in her life. cancer at age 42) while pregnant with her fourth child. Jesus is perfect and depend on him for a new start each day. Heidi had the baby, only to have cancer come back five God’s call to story years later. Each time, she saw God using her experiences Grace Toronto’s Wendy Stringer shared Dinah’s story (Gen. God’s call to courage to help others. “He has a beautiful plan for all of us and we 34), pointing out how God calls us to listen to the broken stories Grace Toronto’s Jen McNaughton shared her reaction upon just have to trust him because that’s what his Book [Eccl. of others. Through Dinah’s family, we see the limitations of our hearing other women’s testimonies saying, “it showed me how 3:11] tells us to do,” Heidi reminded us. loved ones and are forced to look elsewhere. Said Wendy, “To human they were and how wonderful it is to be human in the A free after-event at the Grace Toronto Office with the give love and honour to those who suffer, it is probably best to hands of God.” Reflecting on her story, Jen saw “the bigger opportunity to learn more about Rahab Ministry (rahab- not pretend we have the answers . . . we can only listen then story of Jesus choosing to step into our pain and sin and rising ministry.ca), featured guest speaker Bethany Jenkins from speak of God’s goodness, justice, mercy and love.” to new life, calling us to celebrate with him.” As Jen put it, “I Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City on the felt God carrying me like a firefighter through the flames,” and topic of work as service. Conversation no doubt contin- God’s call to coherence through the fear with his perfect love (1 John 4:18). ues as attendees consider where and how time, energy and A diverse panel of women shared how Christ is the centre money are spent as the call to belong to of their lives. When one panelist said worship is her first and God’s call to trust Jesus intensifies. foremost calling, an attendee asked: “If I can’t do all my call- Heidi Floyd, wife of a pastor heading up a church plant A. A. Adourian writes nonfiction as the ings well because God desires/deserves the best – how is that affiliated with Grace Toronto, spoke of her cancer journey Spirit leads. Her personal essay “My worship?” The easy-to-say-hard-to-do-answer: realize that only that began in her 30s (her own mom had passed away from Parents, My Friends,” appears in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. U.S.: Study reveals ‘surprising insights’ into Millennials and the Bible Texas: Ebola threat, flu season als, i.e., self-identified Christians who attend church at least once a month and who describe their religious faith as very prompts churches to modify important to their life, are quite orthodox and continue to Communion practices hold the Bible in very high regard. In fact, nearly all of them believe the Bible contains everything a person needs to know FORT WORTH, Texas (BCN) – A report in Aleteia to live a meaningful life (96 percent). The same proportion News, a Catholic publication, has detailed how two believe the Bible is the actual or inspired word of God (96 dioceses in Texas have made what they call minor but percent). Among these young adults, a plurality say, “The still important modifications to their eucharistic prac- Bible is the actual word of God and should be taken literally, tices to protect parishioners during the Ebola crisis word for word” (46 percent); an additional four in 10 agree it – and the current flu season. is divinely inspired and has no errors, though “some verses Beginning immediately, parishioners in the Fort are meant to be symbolic rather than literal” (39 percent); Worth and Dallas dioceses are asked not to hold hands Young Christians consider Bible-reading to be the most and 11 percent say the Bible is the inspired word of God, during the Lord’s Prayer and to receive the Commu- important spiritual discipline. “but has some factual or historical errors.” nion wafer in their hands rather than on their tongues. And the priests and ministers have been instructed to VENTURA, California (Barna) – Much has been made Prioritizing use hand sani- of the growing post-Christian sentiment among America’s Additionally, practicing Christian Millennials cite the tizer before and youngest generation of adults. But how has this well-docu- Bible as their greatest source for moral truth. Of the prac- after distributing mented turn away from religion affected Millennials’ views ticing Christian Millennials who believe in absolute moral C o m m u n i o n . of Christianity’s most sacred text? Has the “brand” of the truth (71 percent), four in 10 point to the Bible as the main “It applies to all Bible suffered or significantly shifted among young adults? source from which they have learned or discovered absolute communicable In a recent study among Millennials, conducted in part- moral truths and standards (39 percent). This far outpaces diseases,” said nership with the American Bible Society and InterVarsity any other source, with church coming in second at only 16 Pat Svacina, Christian Fellowship, Barna Group sought to discover how percent, followed by parents at 14 percent. communications changing ideas about Christianity might be affecting per- The survey also sought to discover how Millennials pri- director for the ceptions of the Bible. This study – the largest Barna Group oritize Bible reading among their faith practices. Respon- Diocese of Fort Minor changes to Communion will has ever done on a single generation’s view of the Bible dents were asked whether Bible reading is more important, Worth. help protect parishioners. – looked at Millennials’ beliefs, perceptions and practices less important or of equal importance to a variety of other surrounding Scripture. spiritual disciplines. communion (44 percent) and evangelism (42 percent). Three significant, and surprising, insights emerged. 1) While Millennials as a whole say reading the Bible is of Among practicing Christian Millennials, the Bible still Practicing Christian young adults maintain a traditional, equal importance to the other spiritual disciplines assessed by holds a high – if not the highest – priority in their faith life. high view of Scripture. 2) In contrast, non-Christian Mil- the survey, practicing Christian Millennials consistently rank The Barna Research Group was founded in 1984 lennials hold ambivalent and sometimes extremely negative Bible reading as more important than other disciplines. For by George Barna. As a marketing research firm, it serves perceptions of the Bible and of those who read it. 3) While example, practicing Christian Millennials rank Bible reading Christian ministries, non-profit organizations and media the “screen age” has impacted Bible engagement, print as more important than church attendance (55 percent say Bible and financial corporations. Barna Group has “carefully and remains Millennials’ favoured format for Bible reading. reading is more important), silence/solitude (50 percent), prayer strategically” tracked the role of faith in America, develop- When it comes to Scripture, practicing Christian Millenni- (49 percent), worship (51 percent), acts of service (48 percent), ing a comprehensive database on spiritual indicators. november 10, 2014 page 7

News

Follow-up: Driscoll resigns from Mars Hill Marian Van Til, with files from CT, RNS “pastors” (i.e., elders) at Mars Hill. of anything that might detract from our SEATTLE, Wash. – Mark Driscoll, the Driscoll was not asked to resign. In fact, church’s mission to lead people to a personal popular but combative pastor who founded the resignation surprised the overseers and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” the 12,000-member Mars Hill Church in Se- board. But on October 14, as part of a letter Four members of the board of overseers attle 18 years ago has resigned – permanently. to the board and the congregation, Driscoll (Michael Van Skaik, Larry Osborne, Jon Plagued for several years by accusa- wrote, “Recent months have proven un- Phelps and Matt Rogers) signed a response tions of bullying, running rough-shod healthy for our family – even physically to Driscoll which they made public. They over church employees and other leaders, unsafe at times – and we believe the time noted, “The Board of Overseers has ac- having an unhealthy ego, and plagiarism, has now come for the elders to choose new cepted that resignation and is moving for- Driscoll had stepped down as head pas- pastoral leadership for Mars Hill.” The 12,000-member church Driscoll founded. ward with planning for pastoral transition, tor in late August for what was to have In his letter Driscoll noted that “prior recognizing the challenge of such a task in been only an eight-week period. During to and during this process there have been ministry.” But “other issues, such as aspects a church that has only known one pastor that time an appointed board of overseers no charges of criminal activity, immoral- of my personality and leadership style, have since its founding.” would continue to investigate the com- ity or heresy, any of which could clearly be proven to be divisive within the Mars Hill For background, see previous story in plaints brought against Driscoll by 21 grounds for disqualification from pastoral context, and I do not want to be the source CC, 9/22/14. Steve Bell celebrates career milestone with album, tour, documentary

Marian Van Til, with files from CCNS, RAS Popular support via ‘crowd-funding’ Jennings, Don Amero and Malcolm Guite, Creative Pilgrimage was an ambitious project, each of whom chose their own favourite from WINNIPEG – Canadian singer-song- funded partially through a successful online Steve’s large body of work. writer-storyteller Steve Bell has been called Kickstarter campaign (a global online “crowd- Disk 4, Landscapes, contains 17 previ- “a quiet and consistent presence” on the mu- funding” platform for creative projects). ous songs remixed as instrumental versions sic scene since he first began performing on Disk 1, Pilgrimage, contains 12 new without vocals, highlighting the music itself his own in 1989. Now 54, Bell is among the songs from Steve Bell, conceived during and the many musicians behind the melo- best-known Christian musicians in Canada – a songwriting retreat in 2013, and centred dies. It’s a personal project by Dave Zeglin- and he has touched fans as well in the U.S. on the theme of Lent. ski, who started remixing Steve’s songs to and worldwide. Disk 2, Unadorned, presents 12 songs play as “background music” before concerts To mark his 25th anniversary, Bell recently from Steve’s previous albums, selected by when he discovered a demand for the mixes. released a four-disk CD set called Pilgrimage, friends and fans, and re-recorded at White- During last year film maker Andrew Wall for the first disk in the set. The set also con- water Studios in Surrey, B.C., with just vo- and a film crew from Refuge 31 Films fol- tains an accompanying keepsake booklet that Bell's new album features 13 of his songs cals and guitar. lowed Steve from Seattle to P.E.I., and includes a reflective biographical essay and played by musician friends. Disk 3, Good Company, San Antonio to Los Ange- discography written by John Stackhouse Jr. contains 13 of Steve’s songs, les, chronicling life on Bell is also touring Canada this fall, present- a recording called Comfort My People, Bell secretly recorded by musician the road and providing a ing 31 performances in churches, community released 17 albums that have sold 300,000 friends Jon Buller, Diana Pops backdrop to the larger 25- auditoriums and theatres across the country – copies. He has earned numerous awards, and Adrian Bradford, The Bros. year story. The result is and in a few cases, in private homes of friends including two Junos. To celebrate he chose Landreth, Mike Janzen, Carolyn the 90-minute documen- and colleagues. Bell is also the focus of a new to release Pilgrimage, his 18th album, while Arends, Glen Soderholm, Bob tary Burning Ember: The feature-length documentary just released. featuring not only his own talent, but that of Bennett, Ego Spank, Gayle Steve Bell Journey (see During his 25-year career, which began with many others. Salmond, Jacob Moon, David stevebell.com). Pro-life campaign: ‘Thanks for God’s powerful hand at work’

Marian Van Til, with files from 40 Days for Life she arrived at the clinic. Once there “she saw gave up again and drove away – “this time FLINT, Michigan – Sometimes people her dream as reality,” Teresa said. “And our for good,” Gerald said. “The young lady ask God for a sign while praying. But in one joyful, peaceful, prayerful faces and encourag- never got out of the car.” instance recently a mother saw in her dreams ing signs changed her mind! I feel so blessed About the same time, the 40 Days for Life the sign others had asked for, reports the in- to have had this amazing experience.” team in Atlanta also reported two encouraging ternational pro-life group 40 Days for Life. “Praise God!” said Gerald with 40 Days stories. One of the volunteers spoke to a man The 40 Days for Life campaign in Flint, for Life in White Plains, NY. “Every once in who had just brought a young woman into the Mich., had been praying for a baby to be saved a while God works a miracle to strengthen clinic. The volunteer pleaded with the man from abortion. But it didn’t happen – until the our faith and validate our efforts.” to go inside and get the woman out. And he dream of one mother-to-be literally came true. Not a good place did. Team members said she seemed relieved A pro-life worker, Teresa, was praying in In another instance, early one morning a when she and her partner left together. front of the abortion centre in Flint on a quiet young couple drove up to an abortion centre A second woman arriving for an appoint- day. “I wasn’t really paying attention when where 40 Days for Life was holding a vigil. ment told prayer volunteers she was there for a car pulled up next to me,” she said. The The couple sat in their car for 20 minutes. an RU-486 abortion (an abortion drug in pill 40 Days for Life participants pray together in Greenland, New Hampshire. woman in the car told Teresa that a week Eventually, the man walked around to the other form). The facility’s staff told her that at five earlier she had scheduled an abortion and side of the car and tried to convince the woman weeks the baby was “just a clump of blood.” history of the pro-life movement. It works had even made a payment. “She was feel- to get out. But she wouldn’t budge. But when she saw everyone praying, “she knew in local communities to end the injustice of ing very conflicted but knew her financial He finally gave up, got back into the car this was not a good place; she didn’t go in.” abortion through prayer and fasting, com- situation would not support another child.” and drove away, only to turn right around One of the vigil participants summed up munity outreach and peaceful vigils. Since But then she had an unusual dream. The and come back, volunteers reported. The the volunteers’ response to such changes its inception in 2007 it has carried on 3,336 night before, the woman said, she had dreamed scene repeated, as the young man tried to of heart: “We give thanks to God for his local campaigns in 559 cities in 27 nations. she saw “joyful faces and helpful signs stand- get the woman into the abortion centre. All powerful hand at work!” It has 625,000 volunteers, has saved 9,359 ing and welcoming her.” Despite that, she was that time, volunteers were watching and 40 Days for Life is the largest internation- lives, seen 104 abortion workers quit and 59 determined to keep her appointment. And so continued to quietly pray. Finally, the man ally coordinated pro-life mobilization in the abortion clinics close. My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til

From the Lab PAGEToddlers 8 to Teens christian courier Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom Column

SU MO TU WE TH Principalities FR SA & Powers Everyday Christian David Koyzis TrudeauCathy Smith strikes again

In our political system under most circum- In the absence of a popular consensus on an issue, there maturely and does stances individual members of parliament is much to be said for party leaders permitting their mem- little, if anything, to Technically Speakingcannot vote as they see fit because theyGetting are bers Unstuc to vote ktheir conscience. Whether the controversial advance dialogue. bound by party discipline. If you are part measure passes or is defeated, the party as a whole does In this case, Trudeau Derek Schuurmanof the Conservative parliamentary caucus,Arlene Vnotan Hovehave to assume collective responsibility and can fo- has unnecessarily in virtually all cases you must vote with cus instead on other potentially less divisive issues. It can risked offending your colleagues or face punishment for not thereby avoid alienating potential voters. would-be supporters doing so. Although Canada has a constitu- in the pro-life camp, tionIntangible “similar in Things principle to that of the United Kingdom,”Flowers as Dangerous and Thistles territory which may not be the the Constitution Act, 1867, puts it, party discipline here is However, federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau seems most astute political evenHeidi more Vander rigid Slikkethan that across the pond. Nevertheless,Curt on Gesc to hhave cast aside this time-honoured political wisdom. move on his part. the rare occasion party discipline will be relaxed and party Four months ago in this space I reported that Trudeau had Trudeau’s controversial move illustrates the degree to leaders will allow for a free vote. This is particularly likely decreed that future Liberal candidates for Commons seats which an inflexible ideological commitment can assume ifCountry a divisive moral Living issue comes before the Commons. NearlyWords frwouldom have to toe the party line on abortion, accepting something approaching religious fervour, as its adherents 40 years ago, for example, Parliament voted narrowlyWild to Horsesa woman’s right to choose as a nonnegotiable. Pro-lifers deliberately ignore those factors that might mitigate that abolishMeindert the Vdeathander penalty Galien on a free vote. Warkentinsalready sitting in the party’s caucus would be allowed to commitment. In particular, as the claims of sexual freedom Just over a dozen years later Prime Minister Brian Mul- remain for the time being. have expanded, they have effectively taken over the space roney’s government proposed Bill C-43, An Act Respecting By September, however, Trudeau appeared to have hard- occupied by other, arguably more politically significant, Abortion, which would have filled the legal vacuum cre- ened his position, arguing that a woman’s right to end her liberties such as religion, speech and the press. It seems the atedPatchwork by the Supreme Word Courts of Canada’s 1988 decisionOur in W orldpregnancy Today trumps an MP’s freedom of speech and right arguments for sexual freedom will brook no dissent, and R. v. Morgentaler, which struck down Section 251 of the to vote his or her conscience. “If they vote in favour of that should tell us that we have crossed into the dangerous CriminalMelissa Code.Kuipers Once again, because abortion was deemedBert Hielema restricting women’s access to abortion, that’s taking away territory of idolatry. a divisive moral issue, the political parties permitted a free their rights. And that is something that we will not accept Is it possible for believing Christians and others less vote, thereby avoiding the need to take a stand and risk in the Liberal party. We are the party of the Charter of enamoured of sexual freedom to compromise with its pro- alienating voters whose support would be needed at the Rights and Freedoms and that’s a serious, serious position ponents for proximate political purposes? It should be, at ballot box. The bill passed the Commons, but it died in that Liberals have to defend. It’s time the Liberal party least in theory, but it appears that we will not be able to the Senate. Although the appointed Senate rarely obstructs actually defended rights.” look to Trudeau to provide a way forward. legislation approved by the popularly-elected Commons, Trudeau is undoubtedly sincere in his desire to defend hu- David T. Koyzis teaches politics at Redeemer University College it did so this time because Senators were free from party man rights. Yet, as Mary Ann Glendon has pointed out, the and is the author of Political Visions and Illusions (InterVarsity discipline and thus able to vote as they pleased. use of claimed rights as a trump card tends to end debate pre- Press, 2003), which recently went into an eighth printing.

Not about us: Twenty 20-somethings living the faith continued from page 2 cause it has ‘active’ in it . . . all Christians should be actively Speaking/ Witnessing caring for the needy,” he explained. Currently a ministry intern, Gilman hopes to have pastoral work in his future. Thyra VanKeeken, 32 First CRC in Amanda Bakale, 30 Brandon, Man. Waterloo CRC, Waterloo, Ont. A self-proclaimed prai- Amanda Bakale describes rie girl originally from herself as a youth pastor for Saskatchewan, Thyra Van- World Renew. A theology major Keeken was ordained in the who went on to an M.Div and an CRC two years ago and ac- MA in Spiritual Counseling and cepted a call to First CRC Psychotherapy and was recently in Brandon. ordained, Bakale now works She is also on the CRC’s Daniel Gilman, 26 with university and post-univer- Committee for Contact Ottawa, Ont. sity students on issues of global with the Government and When Daniel Gilman was in grade school, he faced a citizenry and social justice. advocates social justice is- crisis. During a take-your-child-to-work day, his dad, “in But that doesn’t mean she’s jogging around college cam- sues including aboriginal rights. But wary of the spotlight, every other way an incredible dad,” couldn’t participate. puses with flyers and desperate pleas. VanKeeken would rather talk about the church than herself. Gilman stayed home. He remembers walking upstairs, sit- “[Our age group] is always told to go out and do all these “It’s not just me; I don’t work alone!” she said. ting on his bed, and asking God, since He was his Heavenly things change the world! . . . My message is usually that VanKeeken said their small rural church struggles to Father, if He could maybe take him to work. we’re called to witness to the one who changes the world, know the best use of their limited resources. But even if And as Gilman explained, God’s been showing His work but we are not the ones who change the world.” they don’t have a long list of flashy programs, they do have ever since. Gilman became a leader in the pro-life move- Bakale believes that to be dedicated to social justice, what may be more important: commitment. ment while still studying at the University of Ottawa. He Christians need two reminders: beware of what’s trendy, “People are committed to this church. They’ve gone became involved in politics as speech writer and commu- and don’t fret. through hard times and never split; they’ve stayed together nications assistant to Members of Parliament and assisted “Sometimes what’s trendy can actually be detrimental,” because there’s really no other option . . . it’s like family.” in efforts to end human trafficking. she explained. Christians need to “root [social justice] back Unlike larger Reformed communities, there simply isn’t a But he doesn’t just view activism as a day job; he lives it into who we are in Christ, into a deep theology that goes similar church down the street – and that brings solidar- out at home, as well, as a participant of MoveIn – a program beyond what is currently trending.” ity. “The strength of our rural community, is, you like it that challenges Christians to move into the neighbourhoods And that births hope. “All the talk about my generation or lump it.” that need Christ, despite convenience or crime rates, instead is who has left, and who’s going to lead,” Bakale said. “There’s something beautiful about that sort of sturdi- of just visiting on the weekend. But the leaders are usually right around the corner. “Quit ness,” she concluded. Despite all this activism, Gilman doesn’t think every looking at those who are leaving, and attend to those who Christian should be an activist. “I like the word ‘activist’ be- are here,” she advised. That's 12! The final eight interviews are on page 16. november 10, 2014 page 9

Reviews A gift in the midst of the horrors of war

Sonya VanderVeen Feddema bomb in August 1945, he was freed by American soldiers. Christian mother had taught her children about God’s ways. The “most important din- Meanwhile, Mitsue, born and raised in Vancouver – a Several days after Ralph received the Bible, the camp ner” of author Mark Sakamo- bonafide Canadian citizen – witnessed the destruction of was liberated. Ralph went straight to his hut, fell to his to’s life took place in 1968, her Japanese-Canadian community as the Pacific Coast Se- knees, clutching his Bible, and thanked God for helping ten years before he was born. curity League, founded on Dec. 17, 1941, spread its vitriol him to survive. Then “he opened the Bible and ran his finger It was hosted by his future pa- – “this league’s sole purpose was to deport or remove all across a single passage, Mark 11:25: ‘And when you stand ternal grandparents, Hideo and Japanese from British Columbia.” praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, Mitsue Sakamoto, along with Fishing boats belonging to Japanese-Canadians were so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.’” their son Stan, in their home in confiscated by the Canadian government, destroying the In the years ahead, Ralph “never let himself get too far Medicine Hat, Alberta. Their livelihood of many families. Mitsue’s father had known away from the prayer he had offered in the camp. He kept guests were Mark’s future ma- that the government’s action – based on anti-Asian senti- forgiveness close. It was his amen.” Forgiveness: A Gift from ternal grandparents, Ralph and ment – “would come wrapped in the Canadian flag in the Many years later, after Mark’s parents, Stan Sakamoto My Grandparents Phyllis MacLean, and their name of national security.” and Diane MacLean, had married and Mark and his brother by Mark Sakamoto daughter Diane. The couples Mitsue and Hideo, married by that time, were forced Daniel were born, the family was thrown into turmoil. As (HarperCollins Publishers, 2014) were meeting for the first time to leave B.C., along with their extended families. They alcoholism, divorce, and violence took its toll, Mark leaned since Stan and Diane had begun to date. worked as slave labourers on a Medicine Hat, Alta. sugar on the lessons he learned from Ralph and Mitsue, who Years earlier when World War II broke out, Ralph had beet farm and lived in a drafty shed infested with bedbugs became “instant friends” when they first met at the “most joined the Canadian army to escape his abusive father in their and the filth of animals. important dinner” of Mark’s life. home on the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As the author shares his grandparents’ stories, he highlights About that first meeting and the trust that ensued be- Leaving his pious, loving mother was difficult for Ralph, but ironic parallels between their lives. Each was taken prisoner. tween Ralph and Mitsue, Mark says, “Deep down, they he soon discovered a new family amongst his army buddies. Each worked as a slave labourer. Each survived horrific physi- knew each other. They had both discarded the past, keeping Ironically, the abuse Ralph suffered at the hands of his cal conditions, humiliation, and unbridled hatred. Each was only what they needed, leaving the rest behind. They did father taught him survival skills. Shipped out to Kowloon, at the mercy of men in power, distant from the tragic con- not compare hardships or measure injustices. They knew on mainland China, directly across from the island of Hong sequences that their decisions inflicted on ordinary people. there was no merit to that.” Kong, Ralph was tested in incomprehensible ways. Cap- And, most important – and miraculously – each learned Such was the moving legacy Mark received from his grand- tured on the island awhile later, Ralph spent time in a prison to forgive. parents, an inheritance on which he tried to build his own life. camp there. Later, he was shipped to Japan in the hull of Ralph’s story of forgiveness is particularly moving. A Readers will find in Forgiveness an a cargo ship, where no light penetrated the darkness and few days before the war ended, American planes dropped incredible story of God’s grace, as well where the men were left to sit in their own excrement for aid barrels into the camp where Ralph was imprisoned. as a horrific testimony to the evils the days, surviving on next to no food. When he opened a barrel, he discovered a Gideon Bible, human heart is capable of executing. In Japan, Ralph worked as a slave labourer in a foundry. and felt that “it was as if it had been packed just for him.” Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a free- After Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by an atomic Ralph was no stranger to the Bible and its teachings – his lance writer living in St. Catharines, Ont. Post-war drama Maki Van Dyke you completely crazy? Half of the houses are lying flat. The Every Dutch Canadian is familiar with stories from family next door live in a shed, with their pigs, and my child is war-time Netherlands, but Liberation Days, a new play starving. . . . And you want to know if we need something?!] by David Van Belle, is the first time that this subject finds On the opening night of the show, the English speaking expression on the stage of Theatre Calgary, a major Can- audience were as nonplussed as Captain Cavendish in not adian theatre. Aimed at a wider audience, not just those understanding a word of Dutch, but enjoying Emma’s curt with Dutch roots, Liberation Days offers an introspective, translation of her mother’s tirade as “We are alright. Thank and often humorous look, at the encounter between Dutch you.” At the same time the Dutch speaking audience had citizens and their Canadian liberators. a good laugh at references to a birthday calendar hanging War stories often end with the triumph of the long-awaited in the W.C. and the incredulous reception of canned corn liberation, but that is the moment where this play begins. It is as food fit for human consumption.

May 1945, the war is over, and a Canadian military company Photos by Trudie Lee At its core, the play questions whether the severe doctrine finds itself stationed in a small village in Eastern Netherlands. Canadian soldiers (Garett Ross and Byron Allen) make a of “you reap what you sow” will continue to serve as a nation’s Peacekeeping duties prove rather dull and redundant in a town house call at the de Bruijn residence (Valerie Planche). In the guiding principle, or if the possibility exists for a softer, more where the church establishment has things firmly in hand. photo on page one, Emma de Buijn (Lindsey Angell) falls in merciful admission of one’s own flaws and those of one’s love with Canadian Alex King (Byron Allen) in Liberation Days. With many of the young Dutch men gone – missing or neighbour. At the periphery of the play’s vision lies Canada, killed during the war, or hauled away to Germany as forced Liberation Days was written by David Van Belle. a far-away land promising freedom and second chances. labourers – the soldiers find recreation with the young women Each character in the play is confronted with the com- Many readers of Christian Courier are familiar with war- of the village. Neither the efforts of the socially conserva- promises they had to make in order to stay alive. The in- time stories of German occupied Netherlands, but stories of tive local minister, Dominee van Egmond, nor those of the subordinate Marijke Bos manifests her guilt through her the liberation’s aftermath are less well known. Is it because Canadian troop leader Captain Cavendish, are successful in shaven head, betraying her dalliance with enemy soldiers. the liberation serves as a triumphant conclusion to years of curbing the sexual appetites of young people in peace-time. And even seemingly innocent characters must reckon their hunger and oppression? Or is it, as Van Belle suggests, be- This is the setting for a budding romance between Emma de complicity. The Dominee’s placid sermons are held up to cause the staunch pillars of family, church and state crumbled Bruijn, a Dutch woman, and a Canadian solider named Alex scrutiny, while his son is haunted by his own behaviour as as the nation came to grips with what remained of their old King. Although Emma’s mother disapproves, their romance a forced labourer in Germany. lives and what was irrevocably lost? blossoms throughout the summer months, and is put to the A remarkable accomplishment of Van Belle’s script is a As any post-war immigrant knows after returning from test when Emma’s former fiancé unexpectedly returns. seamless blending of Dutch and English text, offering the audi- a visit to the fatherland, not much has stayed the same. But Van Belle’s insightful consideration of war-time upheaval ence a feel for the cultural and linguistic misunderstandings – the possibility of forgiveness remains. and destruction keeps the play from sinking into a formulaic often hilarious – between Dutch residents and Canadian forces. Liberation Days plays at Theatre Calgary, Alta. from love story. The war-ravaged village is not merely an exotic When the dandy Captain Cavendish offers aid to the lo- Oct. 14 – Nov. 9, and at Canadian Stage backdrop to the romance, but serves as an integral part of cal citizenry, a reticent Mrs. de Bruijn suddenly gives voice in Kamloops, B.C. from Jan. 22 – 31. the dramatic conflict. In fact, the citizens attempts to rebuild to her pent up frustrations: “Ben je helemaal gek? De helft Maki Van Dyke is Registrar at their village and establish a sense of normalcy only heightens van de huizen liggen plat. De familie hier naast wonen in een Rosebud School of the Arts. She the futility of their efforts. “We thought everything would schuur, samen met hun varkens, en mijn kind vergaat van de loves to teach theatre history and go back to normal,” speaks the prologue, “but it didn’t.” honger. . . . En jij wil weten of wij iets nodigs hebben?!” [Are performs with Rosebud Theatre. PAGE 10 christian courier

Features

Elly Boersma: A passion for worship

Sonya VanderVeen Feddema Elly Boersma’s path to ministry in the Christian Reformed Church (CRC) wasn’t straight- forward. Raised in Surrey, British Columbia, Elly graduated from Simon Fraser University with a BSc in Kinesiology. God’s Spirit eventually led her to Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she graduated with a MA in Worship. Elly, 27, now serves as Pastor of Worship at Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario, where I attend. I recently interviewed her to discover how God led her to her present position and to plumb her thoughts on being a young leader in the CRC.

Did you experience defining moments in which you heard God’s call to ministry in worship leadership? Music has always been a big part of my life. My parents started me in piano lessons when I was seven years old and my love for music grew from there. If it weren’t for people investing in me from a young age, I might not be where I am today. Seasonal displays enhance worship. Elly Boersma, Pastor of Worship at When I was in Grade 11, I went on a short-term Covenant CRC in St. Catharines. mission trip to Mexico with my church youth group. Many leading theologians today are from a Reformed background. That is because of the I remember being out on a big field of dust, worshiping God with a thousand other young continued thirst to know and understand God through his Word. The CRC places a strong people, seeing the band on stage with a vacant keyboard, and feeling something move emphasis on the sovereignty of God and that we can worship God in all of life because within me. I had a deep longing to be up there playing the keys with the band, leading every square inch of this universe belongs to him. the people in worship. Sometimes I think we get caught up with tradition and looking back to how things have Years later, I returned to Mexico several times as a leader for the same trip I took as a always been done in the CRC so that we forget to turn and look forward. Many church youth. Each time it kept being clear to me that worshiping God is my heart’s desire and programs are inward-focused. While faith nurture and spiritual growth of our members that I want to help lead people in worshiping our great God! I was working at a custom foot is important, it is also important to reach outside of our walls. If we stick too closely to orthotic manufacturer at the time and completing my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. our roots, we may unintentionally leave others out. We need to understand that we are I liked what I was doing and how it combined my love of sports and biomechanics, but not a culture, but a people of God. I was always more eager to go to a worship team practice in the evening than to go to work in the morning. I wondered what was holding me back from pursuing my passion. How did God lead you to take up your present position at Covenant CRC ? One worship service in particular confirmed God’s calling on my life to pursue wor- I had been looking at many different churches when a friend informed me of the pos- ship leadership. At my home church, we were supposed to have a slide show with images ition at Covenant. As God was leading me to Covenant, I felt torn between St. Catharines of our city, along with, in the background, lyrics to Chris Tomlin’s “God of This City.” and another opportunity at a church in the United States. After much prayer and con- My pastor had worked hard on putting it all together and I could see the disappointment versations with those close to me, the one thing that shifted the scales and pointed me on his face as the images appeared, but no music was heard. In that moment, something to St. Catharines was the coffee house, Lockside Cove Café, owned by the church. In stirred within me that I can only attribute to the Holy Spirit telling me, “You know the that small building, I saw huge opportunities to serve outside of the church. I saw ways song. You need to go up there and play it.” After much hesitation, I gave in and went we could reach out with music and worship to our community and be a presence in the up to the piano. As I was playing the song on the piano, the same voice said, “No. I neighbourhood throughout the week. I look forward to seeing how God will continue to want you to sing it.” That was the first time I ever sang a solo in public. It was a huge use Covenant CRC for his glory. stepping-stone for me. The comments I received after the service were a confirmation that God has gifted me so that I may use my gifts for his glory. On May 21, 2014, at the Classis Niagara meeting at Rehoboth CRC in Niagara Falls, While at Calvin Seminary, I traveled back to Mexico. The same worship leader who Ontario, you underwent an examination to receive approval to become ordained as a had led ten years earlier when my heart first stirred on that field of dust was leading Commissioned Pastor in your role as Music Coordinator at Covenant CRC. Now your worship again. I had the privilege of playing keyboard with his team, leading the crowd title is Pastor of Worship. During the examination, you were asked to briefly share your of more than one thousand young people, and witnessing God’s faithfulness, grace and philosophy of worship. goodness in my life. I was told I had five words or less in which to share my philosophy of worship, so this is what I told them: You’ve chosen to serve in the CRC. As a young leader, what excites you about the CRC Worship is to be (1) Biblical (What we do in our worship needs to align with what we as a denomination? What concerns you? read and understand in Scripture, and should include Scripture, focusing on the person I love the history and strong doctrinal focus of the CRC. This denomination has emerged and work of Christ.), (2) Communal and Intergenerational (From the very young to the from asking deep theological questions and seeking God through the study of Scripture. very old, we are all children of God, and we are all called to worship God in community. Communal worship unifies us as people of God.), (3) Trinitarian (God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and if we focus only on the work of Christ, we miss out on the fullness of God.), (4) Dialogical (Worship needs a balance of speaking and listening. God initi- ates worship, calling us to worship him. God challenges, comforts and awakens us, and we respond with praise, confession, petition and dedication.), (5) Covenantal (Worship reminds us of God’s promises and allows us to recommit ourselves to this relationship.)

You’re in your 20s. Does your age have an impact on how you do ministry in a multi- generational church? I think it does. In many churches, aging is seen as bad in leadership because people think they become irrelevant as they get older, but I find in a multigenerational church it’s not good to be too young either. Sometimes it feels that it is best to be in your 30s in ministry because you have gained enough wisdom and experience that those older will listen and respect you, yet you’re still able to relate to the young. I feel like I need to work harder to earn the respect of those older than I, and I am constantly aware that I look younger than I am. Answering the call to lead people in worship. Continued on page 16 November 10, 2014 page 11

Features

Engaging young leaders: Advice for the church

a good thing! Many of our churches have Multigenerational leader- suffered because of our “loyalty” to ideas ship: It has been observed by and practices that should have been tossed social scientists that there are out years ago – procedures that were great about five generations in many at one time but have simply gone past their churches. Each generation is dis- expiration date. Young leaders can help us tinctive, with unique priorities, Jack Tacoma get rid of whatever hinders. interests and ways of life. So a When younger people are added to a Courageous conversations: Courage is multigenerational congregation is leadership team, something changes. Last needed for leadership and is not restricted really a multicultural congregation. spring I coached a group of young leaders to any one generation. However, different Multicultural congregations are in a leadership retreat. It was exciting. In generations are courageous about different best lead by leadership that is truly the course of one and a half days, they ana- things. Young leaders broaden the courage multicultural. A good workshop lyzed the benefits and challenges their min- bandwidth of a church council. that helps congregations grapple istry faced. They assessed which challenges This is important because we need cour- positively with their multigenera- needed addressing. They addressed each of age for the difficult conversations required of tional context is called “Cultural them, made the decisions necessary, assigned all church leadership. Much damage is done Intelligence Building” available responsibilities for carrying them out and dis- in our churches when these conversations are through CRCNA’s Office of Race cerned a vision for the next year of ministry. ignored or handled badly. One of the most Relations. Engaging young leaders builds the church today. So much got done, and yet there was time for useful tools for navigating through difficult Gifted leadership: In my experi- prayer, play and reflection. God’s presence conversations is the ability to base them on ence facilitating “Discover Your Spiritual was a golden time of accelerated learning was vibrant. I was reminded of the strengths shared values. Young leaders tend to be in Gifts” workshops, I’ve observed that ap- for me. There was no formal mentorship and advantages of young leaders. touch with these values. In addition, many proximately one in 15 people have leader- program in the church at that time – but Idealism: Life generally gets more com- of our current youth are trained in restorative ship as one of their top spiritual gifts. The that elder had a heart for a young man who plex as we age. This affects our ideals. The practices and have been reared in a more actual ratio varies significantly, but it’s not desired to serve God. Developing a culture values and visions that guide our thinking collaborative culture. a high percentage! A church council needs of mentoring requires more than a champion and actions become deeper and more nu- Fresh Perspective: There is a humbling more spiritual gifts than just leadership, but or two. A leadership commitment is required. anced, building the wisdom that shapes thing that happens when we invite guests when that gift finds its voice, it does much It can be done and it will build fruitfulness good leadership. Often, however, the basic from elsewhere to attend our churches. We essential good – even if that voice is young. – for the younger mentored leader, but also simplicity of our founding values becomes suddenly become hyper-aware of unhelpful I recommend that every church have a for the mentor. hidden, shadowed by the opaque layers of patterns: unclear phrases, bad coffee, awk- gift bank, a list of the spiritual gifts of all life-shaped experience, especially in the ward welcoming practices and exclusive members. Then, when we ask a person to Challenges presence of urgencies and anxieties. Young foyer behaviour. This is also what hap- consider joining the leadership team (or any There are challenges involved in en- leaders are more in touch with their stated pens when a young elder, a grown child of ministry), we are doing so because of the gaging young leaders in council. However, ideals. Their values are not as time-tested, the congregation, first enters the council particular spiritual gifts the individual has, if there are young people in your church and may even be “immature” in some ways, room. We ask ourselves questions like: not only because he or she happens to belong with suitable gifts, there are surely ways to but their values, taught to them by their “Why are we doing this?” Especially when to a particular age cohort. overcome these challenges. The Synod of elders, are more clearly present. When they we’ve always done it this way, unquestion- Along with becoming a gift-based church the CRCNA has found a way make it work have a voice, young leaders can be the value ingly. Adding young leaders brings fresh (a biblical model of ministry discovered and – and its structure is certainly more formal holders in a leadership group. perspective. promoted by Paul), the church becomes than that of a local church council. Creativity: Many of my friends, especial- committed to training and developing the When a younger person asks the ques- ly as they approach 50, have become more Called to the present gifts. The two most successful methods of tion, “Why should I bother to join church open-minded as they learn to embrace their The church is called to the present. training, which work best hand in hand, are council?” the answer had better be some- growing wisdom. That’s a refreshing thing to Therefore, leaders need to understand their teaching and on-the-job experience. These thing other than “It’s your responsibility.” observe. However, open-mindedness is not times. That can be difficult. In a popular reinforce each other when done together. The language of obligation needs to be the same as creativity. As we age, the work story, several blind men try to describe an Values and beliefs: There are often some replaced with the language of opportun- of creativity tends to take more effort. For elephant. One touches the twitching tail, current questions that churches fear to deal ity. But opportunity without clarity is not youth, it can be an effort, but also energizing. another, the fleshy trunk, another, the solid with – understandably so. These issues of the compelling to any generation. Therefore This is valuable at 9:00 p.m. when a church leg and another, the bristly belly. Each faith can be divisive. So there is a growing the answer to the above question needs to council is struggling with a significant issue man thinks he now knows the elephant, tendency to talk and teach less about what we be about a mission that is clear and com- requiring a better solution. but really only understands a small part believe. This is not helping our churches and pelling. And the questioner needs to be Loyalty (lack of): Much has been written of the whole. Similarly, understanding it is disengaging our youth who still believe, convinced that the current leadership is about the lack of loyalty in those who are our times takes as many perspectives as thankfully, that well-held values and beliefs committed to it. presently under 45. It’s true, but it can be possible. Having younger people in leader- are essential leadership tools. The suggestions above are not monu- ship will help Even when the issues of the day are dif- mental or impossible. But I believe they council better ficult to decide, it is better to admit “I don’t are powerful if a congregation implements understand the know about this one” than to avoid talking them diligently. Avoiding this essential part people they are about them at all. Better to name a polarity of leadership activity is costly for the gifted shepherding. on an issue than to pretend the issue doesn’t youth who are not engaged and for their H e r e a r e exist. Younger folks need to be trusted to congregations. The youth are a gift to the some practical handle polarities without labeling. Because church – we all know that. But they are suggestions of their upbringing in a more collaborative also a gift to the leadership. Engaging young to incorporate culture, they may possess more skills in leaders builds the church today. young leaders this regard than their parents. I encourage from the age of churches to talk about the issues that affect 16 and up in the faith and to persevere in appreciative teach- Jack Tacoma is a formal leader- ing of the basics of what we believe. Ministry Specialist with ship structure of A mentoring culture: When I was a very CRC Home Missions. He coaches churches and the church – in young youth elder, I was paired with an older leaders. church council. youth elder who was an excellent mentor. It PAGE 12 christian courier

Features

The bravery of the weak Calvin Seerveld The 18 dead Jan Campert When I was an American graduate student at the Free University of Amsterdam, 1953-1955, my judo instructor was A prison cell is 6 feet long Dirk Vollenhoven, who had been active in the Dutch underground and hardly 6 feet wide. resistance movement during the Nazi military occupation of the The piece of ground awaiting me Netherlands, 1940-1945. He could tell stories. But he never men- is smaller still, outside. tioned the poem by Jan Campert, “The 18 Dead,” which I only recently discovered. This poem is well known in Holland and was often recited in Remembrance Day services. Who knows where unmarked graves shall be A group of the Dutch underground resistance called De Geuzen of 18 men so young? (The Beggars), who tried to rescue Jews and to sabotage Gestapo We comrades wait, and soon will die purges, were betrayed by a National Socialist Sympathizer. So before the night has come. the Nazis picked up 15 Dutchmen, an assortment of mechanics, electricians, artists and ordinary workmen, aged 21 to 49, and The loveliness of his light and land readied them for public execution. The Nazis added three other I knew in Holland free, persons, who had been involved in the major, late February 1941 was robbed, destroyed, left me disturbed strike centered in Amsterdam protesting the persecution of the this evil Enemy. Jews, a strike that had disrupted transportation needed by the oc- What can an honest fellow do cupying military force. who would be true, do right? Jan Campert’s poem was written in 1941, secretly passed around You kiss your child, you kiss your wife, for a while, finally clandestinely printed in 1943 byDe Bezige Bij. Jan Campert Memorial in Spijkenisse, go wage the uphill fight. It commemorates the 18 civilians who were executed on March the Netherlands. 13, 1941 (see my English translation). I knew the task I had begun But what interests me even more is what I was told by Bob was surely danger crossed, Goudzwaard. When the 18 men were lined up against the wall in but once you gave your heart to it, the Waaldorpervlakte in Den Haag, not far from where my wife you never counted costs. Inès, as a nine-year-old child, was then living, and as the Germans In this fair land it was well known, prepared to shoot them, a core of the shackled standing men sang true freedom was admired, Genevan Psalm 43 (which I assume they knew from the years until a cursed brutal force of Christian schooling – you had to have memorized a Genevan its opposite desired; Psalm stanza every Monday morning). They sang it in unison, a capella a musician might say (from my English version): until they broke firm oaths, and bragged Restore, O God true justice due me. Outwit those practicing their nauseating lie, deceit. invaded Holland’s sovereign soil, You are the God of us refugees. Why have You treated me like and bombed its countryside; debris? until German boasts, harangues Why must I go through life in grief, pressed down without of “Honour” stretched belief, relief? coerced this land under its Macht, Send our your light and truth to guide me, to reach your sacred and plundered like a thief. heavenly home – That’s the last line (in Dutch: “Dan ga ik op tot Gods alteren”) The pied piper of Berlin they were able to sing of Genevan 43, which ended right there in a squeaks out his melody volley of bullets. They did not live long enough on earth to sing: so truly as I soon am dead, There in your glorious royalty, joyfully safe from the enemy, my loved one no more see, I shall make music by your throne, in peace with God alone. and never eat our daily bread But just as Christ knew the jubilant end of Psalm 22 when or fall with her in sleep – Christ cried the opening line on the cross, “My God, O my God! De Achttien Dooden (Jan Campert). reject all promises he makes! Why have You left me in the lurch?” the singing men knew the the cunning, false pipsqueak. conclusion of Genevan 43: Why should I cringe, depressed by sorrow! Why be distraught and feel abased! Remember, you who read these words, God has come through and lets us borrow hope to be thanking my comrades in distress, God tomorrow! their suffering families and friends God will remove tears from my face, kind God, my God, of were terribly suppressed: grace. remember what we deeply thought The point of reporting this historical poem and interrupted for native land and folk, Genevan psalm is this: it is good to remember the bravery of the “Each night succumbs to a new day; weak which has no military bravado (“My God, make dying not dark clouds pass by like smoke.” too hard . . .”). The truly brave do not need to be aggressive soldier fighters, but can be civilians who die in war or undergo danger I see faint rays of morning sun fearfully firm in doing what is right. And we churched Canadians Calvin Seerveld, light up the cell’s high wall. might do well, especially as youth, to learn to sing by heart God’s pictured here with My God, make dying not too hard, psalms, so such gritty words and melodies may lodge deep in our his wife, Inès, is the I fear what shall befall. remembered repertoire for when the hard times, God forbid, come, author of numerous We men are weak, and at times fail, books and is Pro- even if we do not need to face death by a firing squad. to say it candidly, fessor Emeritus in Aesthetics at the In- “Give me your grace to face the gun Note: Jan Campert was caught trying to smuggle Jews into stitute for Christian and end life manfully.” Belgium, was himself imprisoned, and later died in the German Studies (ICS). Hamburg concentration camp Neuengamme. (translated by C. Seerveld © 4 July 2013 AD) My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til

Toddlers to Teens From the Lab Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom

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

NTeovchnicallyember 10, Speaking 2014 Getting Unstuck page 13 Derek Schuurman Arlene Van Hove Columns Intangible Things StoriesFlowers and worth Thistles telling Heidi Vander Slikke Curt Gesch Both of my parents were talented story tell- the German army sent him to the Russian Front where he ers. My mother had an amazing memoryWords frnearlyom lost his toes to frostbite. Country Livingfor the most trivial details. (I didn’t always appreciate that particular gift, especiallyWild as HorsesFirsthand accounts Meindert Vandera teenager.) Galien She often presented mindbogWarkentins- Ma lived with her mother and stepfather in a large city. gling facts in such a way as to solidly make They were bombed out of their home three times in three her case before you even realized where years. At night she slept in pajamas made from parachute Patchwork Wosherd wass heading. Our Worldfabric, T odaywith her shoes parked beside the bed, ready to run to My father, who had a splendid imagination, described the nearest air raid shelter at the sound of the alarm. She slept scenesMeliss soa vividlyKuipers he drew you into the tale as if you Bertwere Hielema peacefully every night during the war, but years afterward there. There was nothing subtle about the way he made a she often woke up in a cold sweat, heart pounding, listening A janitor and a 10-year-old pupil discovered this bomb point, often punctuating his stories by slamming his fist on for airplanes in the distance. shelter on school property July 2014. One 70-year-old light the table, whether in laughter or frustration. When I was a child businesses and schools closed on bulb still worked. So I grew up listening to stories every day – while we ate, November 11. In a solemn assembly the day before we recited did the dishes, sat in the living room or walked around the In Flanders Fields, sang hymns and prayed for peace. We wore days. But the stories live on. Surviving Legion members block. I heard about their childhood days, family life “back felt-paper poppies and drew pictures of crosses and battlefields. faithfully tend small town cenotaphs. Some towns hoist ban- when,” immigration, and of course, the war years. Local veterans came in and told us of their combat experiences. ners with the names and faces of hometown heroes, others I especially loved the stories of their early years together. Not Thanks to my parents I had some notion of life during the war. decorate public walls with large murals. More recent wars everyone can say their parents met in a bomb shelter. Hearing I also had some vague sense of guilt for being German, as if I have once again sent young Canadians home in flag-draped the same events recounted by two people revealed their differing were culpable for wars that ended before I was born. coffins. As long as humanity exists, so will conflict. perspectives, not only for the story at hand, but also for their Sixty-seven thousand Canadians died in the First World Christians know of another fierce war – the ultimate clash relationship. Ma prided herself on her propensity for cheeky War. H.G. Wells referred to it as “the war to end all wars.” between good and evil. God has secured the victory, but comments. Pa claimed he fell in love with her in spite of her It became a popular catchphrase, but history proved it sadly for now the battles persist like smouldering hotspots after a sauciness. Apparently on their wedding day she told him not to untrue. In World War II alone an estimated 60 to 85 million forest fire has been doused. The potential danger warrants expect her to shine his shoes. He replied that he wouldn’t think people lost their lives. Since then, more than 250 major continued vigilance. The need to tell the stories of saints and of it since she’d never do it as well as he could. military wars have erupted around the globe. Another 50 mil- their Deliverer is urgent. To understand anything about the They came to Canada from Germany to make a new lion people have died, tens of millions have been injured or wars surging around us, we must first comprehend the war start. But memories of WWII shaped their worldview sig- impoverished and countless families have suffered the loss of unfolding in the spiritual realm. It’s an old, old story of an nificantly, including their hopes and dreams for the future. loved ones. According to secular pacifist organization Peace epic conflict and a conquering hero like no other, repeated Pa had served as a blacksmith in the infantry. Captured Pledge Union, “[T]he twentieth century stands out as the many times from Genesis to Revelation. As believers, we’re by the French, he worked as a cook in the POW camp. bloodiest and most brutal – three times more people have been duty bound to tell it again and again – lest we forget. The French treated him well. But a soldier’s duty was to killed in wars in the last 90 years than in all the previous 500.” escape from the enemy, and he did. Back on active duty, Firsthand accounts of the “great wars” are scarce these Heidi Vander Slikke ([email protected]) lives in Harriston, Ont.

Jesus commanded you to do. You care about for example, many Christian political science professors left the environment, discrimination, poverty and faith-based organizations that were not responsive to racial and relationships. When I compare you to my own gender concerns. Because these faculty were not heavily in- A letter to peers at that age I find that today’s students volved in Christian institutions, they did not get their students have to work harder in the classroom; you must involved. Now you, generations removed from the leaders of millennials hold jobs in college, and you contribute to your faith-based institutions, have no context in which to think of communities more than my friends and I did 30 yourself as torch-bearers of denominational non-profits or In 1979, when I was a student at Dordt years ago. You want a world that other faith-based organizations. College, Pope John Paul II came to Iowa. is more just and your attention is But this doesn’t have to be My friends and I were so invested in focused in that direction. the end of the story. The interest Reformed thinking, and so enamored and commitment of your gen- of Abraham Kuyper, that we made t- Held too tightly eration can be regenerated by shirts with Kuyper’s face and went to Des My generation has much to focusing on the one thing that Moines to protest the Pope. We held signs learn from you, but first we have predicts institutional commit- that read Sola Scriptura to clarify why the Reformation had to get to know you. We have ment: involvement. occurred. to respect you for who you are My advice to every person I recall this with embarrassment. To your credit, I can’t rather than criticizing you for heading up a faith-based institu- imagine those of you in the Millennial generation (born not being like us. Your heroes tion is to immediately structure a 1980 to 2000) doing such a thing as college students today. are not Abraham Kuyper or John Many Christian leaders retained their positions with- system that involves the millen- Teaching in the Christian university environment has Calvin. Instead you are drawn out encouraging the next generation to replace them. nial generation in partnered deci- changed a lot in the last 10 years. In the past it has been fairly to Christians like Bryan Stevenson with his focus on racial sion making. Instead of lamenting the fact that university-aged easy for me to interest students in denominational or differ- justice in the legal system, or Gary Haugen, who drew our students are not embedded in our denominational framework ent Christian traditions’ approaches to politics. We’ve talked attention to human trafficking. And I agree with you that these we should acknowledge that you are our future and demon- about Reformed and Catholic policy analysis and students issues are important. strate that we want to learn from you. have had some basic understanding of the differences between I think that about 30 years ago, a number of people heading This is hard to do. It takes imagination and humility; it takes these groups. This is no longer true. Though my university, Christian institutions made a mistake. Life expectancy had discipline. It also assumes that those of us in charge of things Whitworth, has always emphasized a reformed approach, increased and a forced retirement age fell out of favour with now are going to be willing to see our institutions change. But the students coming out of Christian and public schools have legislators and the courts. So, at exactly the time when race and we have to do this or we risk losing our institutions altogether. changed. You seem less interested in denominations and less gender issues were stirring the community, Christian leaders Partnering with you is the only way to increase our investment interested in church history. You are hardly interested in institu- held on to their positions without bringing along another gen- in institutions, and it’s the only way to ensure that the institu- tions at all except to be critical of them. This can be frustrating. eration to replace them. People in charge believed so strongly tions themselves will outlive the rest of us. At the same time, though, I really enjoy working with in their own perspective that they held on tightly to what they you – this generation of Christian university students. You controlled. The problem is that the generations that came be- Julia Stronks has practiced law and is the Edward B. Lin- are committed to making a difference in a broken world. You hind them saw no role for themselves in the institutions, and daman Chair at Whitworth University, affiliated with the do not emphasize catechism or theology, but you know what so you dropped out at alarming rates. In my own discipline, Presbyterian Church USA. She lives in Spokane, Wash. PAGE 14 christian courier

Columns The Borderless top 10 The future of faith among 6. We take ourselves too seriously youth – read: Millennials Our faith might be simple, but the – and those who minister flawed efforts we’ve made to bring it for- to them is a popular dis- ward are often ridiculously complex and cussion. You’ve encoun- comedic. Yet our passion and earnestness tered it before, of course, for what we believe can prevent us from especially in church pub- laughing along with those to whom we’re lications, framed by sobering statistics about to bring the good news, and at ourselves. declining numbers of churchgoing youth, If we can’t laugh at how bumbling we are and often positioned around two questions: as we try to make sense of what’s beyond What’s happening? How can we entice/ our capacity to understand, what’s left? Technically Speak- bribe/win/encourage them back? CC columnists were encouraged to weigh 5. Seek, meet, hear and serve together ing with Edifide in, so this is my take on the future of faith. Christ’s church is about people coming October marks the an- needs oversight from doctors, and the design I’d frame my list of suggestions with two together and finding ways to stay together. nual fall reading break of accounting systems needs direction from overarching suggestions: First, drop the gen- Too often, our emphasis is on being correct, at Redeemer University accountants, so too, educational technology erational labels; we’re all made of the same following liturgy or tradition, or watching College. Hallways normally needs direction from educators. And educa- stuff. Second, reduce the focus on the health each other at the expense of not seeing our bustling with students are in- tors need to discern the subtle changes that of our churches and governing bodies; what neighbours. stead filled with nearly 1,000 technology brings in to the classroom and to we build will inevitably fall. Christian school teach- be skeptical of educational claims made by As such, this list is not for Millennials, 4. Meaningful community involvement ers from all over the province who come to many technology vendors. Gen-X/Y/Z/Wii’ers, Boomers, Teens, A church where the members don’t serve Redeemer to attend the annual Edifide teach- Discerning technology begins with asking Tweens, Plurals, iGens, or any of our un- the community is a self-serving and there- ers’ convention. Edifide (formerly OCSTA) good questions. In his book Building a Bridge helpful, reductive labels. It’s for you and me. fore empty vessel. And I mean the whole is a professional association serving Christian to the Eighteenth Century, Neil Postman high- community, not just a small number of educators from across Ontario. This year’s lighted six questions about media and change. 10. Theology is just a word disadvantaged people to whom we minister convention theme was “Entering the Story” Inspired by these questions from Postman, I Stripped away of all the human trap- piecemeal. How many people in our im- based on Psalm 145:4-7, “One generation recast these questions to address technology pings we’ve layered on, the core of our mediate vicinity know they should be able commends your works to another; they tell of and education and posed them to the teachers faith is devastatingly simple. Theology, to come to us for anything, at any time? your mighty acts.” Sharing stories is a power- at my workshop: catechisms, confessions, canons and ful tool in education. In Christian schools, 1) What is the pedagogical problem to creeds are defensive 3. Question every- there is one story that forms the foundation of which this technology is a solution? measures assembled thing. . . but be open to education because all learning, including the 2) Whose problem is it – the student’s, by flawed saints to hearing the answers history of the whole world, is nested within the teacher’s, administration’s, parents’ or explain belief systems I have a pastor grand story of the Biblical narrative. school’s? but also to justify div- friend who has cen- The Edifide convention this year was divided 3) Will students (or teachers) be less served ision and conflict. The tred his ministry on into four major strands: project-based learn- by a technological solution? core is love. You can’t questioning everything ing, assessment, differentiated instruction and 4) What new problems might be created weaponize love. and being rebellious technology. I was privileged to be part of the because we have solved this problem? in Christ’s name. I technology strand of workshops, which included 5) What sort of people or institutions might 9. They’re probably admire this a lot, and topics such as iPads and tablets in schools and acquire special power because of techno- not wrong often when I read his using robots in education. The strand opened logical change? Every criticism of words am convicted with a workshop I gave on how digital technol- 6) What changes in education are being Christianity has an that Christ has indeed ogy can be put in service of learning, things enforced by new technologies, and what is ounce of truth to it. established the model such as supporting different learning styles, being gained and lost by such changes? There is no point in being defensive about of a true rebel. The trick, though, is not providing additional information sources, fa- These questions provide a good starting the oppressive and flawed efforts we’ve to let the questions function as the only cilitating visualization of concepts and helping point as we evaluate the use and adoption of made thus far, and admitting those mis- knowledge – if we ask to have the cup with assessment. But technology is not neutral, various new technologies in the service of takes is not a position of weakness. We turn lifted from us, we have to accept it when so the undiscerning use of technology in edu- education. And, of course, we must continue the other cheek, again and again and again. the answer is no, too. cation can lead to the technical “tail” wagging to situate our technological and media per- the pedagogical “dog.” I also shared with the spective within the greater Biblical story. Each 8. Trying to “save” The Church 2. When we lean on faith, not religion teachers some of the ideas I wrote in my last new generation will need to learn from the pre- The Church is a human construct and Faith and salvation are divine, gracious CC column on laptops and learning. Using vious one and apply this story within the new therefore subject to failure. The body of gifts. Religion is the human attempt to give technology appropriately in service of learning context in which they live. Neil Postman once believers envisioned in scripture looks it structure. We shouldn’t reach out to bring begins by asking thoughtful questions: What are said that “children are the living messages nothing like the denominational behemoths more bodies into churches, but bring the the merits and pitfalls of different digital media we send to a time we will not see.” This story we’ve built, and the perfect strength of good news to help others seek salvation, in the classroom? What might we lose when can be communicated in Christian education Christ’s calling and mission can never be regardless of whether we see them in the new media replaces traditional media? What through various media to the next generation, broken by the crumbling of our poorly- pews the following Sunday. And to remind is appropriate for different grade levels? Good but, in the words of media professor Lance built structures. ourselves, too, that salvation begins with educational research, sharing with peers and Strate, “the teacher-student relationship is the faith, not liturgy, songs, or sermons. ongoing teacher education are necessary to help most important medium of all.” Telling the 7. When it’s time to redefine church us navigate this brave new world of education. story from generation to generation remains When a body begins to give structure 1. Pray. Serve. Repeat. crucial and relevant, even in the modern, and tradition more than just passing ac- The right questions digital age into which our children and future knowledgment, pushing them towards One helpful distinction to remember is generations will grow. salvific importance, it’s time to leave it Brent lives and finds his voice in that although educational technology has a Derek Schuurman is professor of behind. Communities do not need to ex- Hamilton, Ont. To learn more about technical foundation, it has an educational computer science at Redeemer Univer- perience schisms to pursue this goal, either: Brent, his writing and his publications, destination. Technology needs oversight from sity College. He runs a mailing list for breaking up with an institution is not the visit www.brentvans.com and follow domain experts and not just technology ex- Christian educators called “Technology same as breaking up with Christ. him on Twitter @brentvans. perts. Just as the design of medical systems in Christian Schools” (TiCS). My Window Seat The Public Square Mendelt Hoekstra Harry Antonides

From the 11th Christ @ Culture Province Lloyd Rang Marian Van Til

Toddlers to Teens From the Lab Denise Dykstra Rudy Eikelboom

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

Technically Speaking Getting Unstuck Derek Schuurman Arlene Van Hove

November 10, 2014 page 15 ColumnsIntangible Things Flowers and Thistles Heidi Vander Slikke Curt Gesch The decline of Country Living Words from Opening of Human Rights Museum of- theWild International Horses Meindert Vander Galien Warkentins fers chance to focus on religion’s role Plowing Match John Longhurst When human rights activists “recognize Plowing matches have been part of the agricultural history of Ontario for The Canadian Museum and connect” with religion, he adds, “they over a century. In the early days they were sponsored by agricultural soci- for Human Rights in gain strength, new alliances and the greater Patchwork eties,Word thes first farm groups to be established.Our W orldThat Thasoday changed. Winnipeg is finally open. global legitimacy they so urgently need.” Melissa KuipersThe International Plowing Match (IBertPM), Hielemawhich is held in Ontario during It’s a magnificent building Another person who feels the same way the third week of September, was once the top outdoor show for farm families. for a magnificent mission: is Jack Snyder, who teaches political science It was the place to be. Throughout the years, the IPM has gained a reputation to promote the idea that all at Columbia University in New York. for being an event that brings communities together. The IPM moved around human beings are born free and equal in In an essay titled “On a Wing and a the province, giving everyone the opportunity to attend in their neck of the woods. dignity and rights. Prayer: Can Religion Revive the Human It’s possible that the wide-open invitation One of those rights is the right to religion. Rights Movement?” also on Open became its downfall. In the 1990s, agricultural According to Article 18 of the Universal Democracy, he notes that countries where exhibitors began to complain that there were Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the worst human rights abuses occur don’t too many non-farmers attending the event. the freedom to change religion or belief and speak the language or use the frameworks They were the ones showing interest in the big the freedom to worship, believe, teach or of activists and lawyers. The normative tractors, but a sale isn’t made to people with practice religion any way they want. frameworks and language in these countries no land. Manufacturing companies looked at Unfortunately, far too many people today “are often religious, not secular or legal,” the expense to showcase their wares to mostly don’t enjoy those freedoms. In some coun- he observes. non-buyers. Many pulled out of the event and tries, it is illegal to convert to another faith. In such settings, “the human rights agenda left it to the local dealers to support the match. In other countries, people are persecuted, im- may need a leg up from progressive religion At the time a new show was in the works. It prisoned, tortured and killed for their beliefs. to gain organizational and emotional traction was called the Outdoor Farm Show (OFS). It This includes Christians in Iraq, Baha’is in . . . it’s time for human rights activism to would have a permanent location in Woodstock Iran, Falun Gong in China and Muslims in think creatively about how to tap the power and be held a week before the IPM. Twenty Myanmar, to name a few. of religion for progressive reform.” years ago, when the OFS started up, I predicted But that’s not our problem – right? The rights movement, he adds, “may be in my weekly column that the Outdoor Farm Liberals at the IPM, as posted by MPP Denying people rights based on religion only well advised to piggyback on its social net- Show would spell disaster for the IPM. Brad Duguid on his Twitter feed. happens in other places, not in Canada. Not works and co-opt the language of religion In the early years, the Outdoor Farm Show attracted over 500 exhibitors and 36,000 people. so fast, say critics, noting there are religious wherever it can.” Last year they had 750 agricultural exhibitors and 42,900 attendees. It is well known groups in Canada that deny women the op- Other writers on the forum aren't so af- for exhibitors showcasing their technology and for a large number of field demonstrations. portunity to be clergy, that preach that only firming. One says that religion is a liability By this point, it’s an unspoken truth that the real farmers attend the Outdoor Farm Show their group is right or going to heaven or that when it comes to human rights, another while rural folks, retirees and hobby farmers go to the IPM. The huge trailer park at IPM exclude people who are gay. argues that it should be kept out of any dis- events has over 1,600 trailer sites and is a city in itself with its own entertainment and music And that’s the dilemma. What do you do cussion about rights and the law and a third for the older folks – you know, the fiddling stuff. when the rights of one group conflict with notes that it is tied to human rights abus- The IPM had to make some changes; they added the words “Rural Expo” to their event, the rights of es in places hoping to draw more urban folks. By adding daily entertainment, grandstand shows, antiques another? When like Burma/ and antique tractors and vehicles galore, it has become a country fair for families. To boost i t i n v o l v e s Myanmar. attendance, organizers flood the tent city with busloads of school kids. Meanwhile, real farm- religiously-in- Meantime, ers go to the OFS and watch no-drill drills at work and cows being milked by robotic milkers. spired violence people of faith and death, the in places like No CFFO booth answer is sim- Hong Kong I attended the IPM in Ivy (near Barrie) in September and was surprised to see that the farm ple: It’s wrong. aren’t debat- organizations, including the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO), were absent, But what if it ing whether as were the major seed and chemical companies. I inquired about that and a spokesman religion has a involves what The new Canadian Museum for Human Rights. for one organization told me that the some say is role to play in atmosphere is no longer that of ser- discrimination or hate speech, but which human rights – they are just doing it. ious agriculture but rather urban folk others view as faithful adherence to doc- As the Wall Street Journal reported last coming out for a day in the country. trine? That’s trickier to sort out. week, churches in that city are playing a But even though the farm organiz- But if religion poses some challenges quiet but important role in that city's pro- ations were (ironically) absent at this for human rights, it may also be able to help democracy movement, offering food and important farm event, politicians, as advance the cause. That’s the view of Larry shelter to demonstrators. And at least three usual, were everywhere. It is the only Cox, former Executive Director of Amnesty of the founders of the main protest groups provincial fair that closes Queen's International USA. are Christians. Park annually so all provincial mem- In an essay titled “Human Rights Must Get “Christianity has been a visible element bers of parliament can attend. Even Religion” on the web forum Open Democracy, of the demonstrations, with prayer groups, Kathleen Wynne test-driving a tractor at the IPM. Justin Trudeau was there and did a Cox notes that while the idea of human rights crosses, and protesters reading Bibles in the little plowing, as did all three Ontario “may require a secular presentation,” the street,” according to the report. party leaders. The Ontario PC Caucus and the Ontario Liberal Caucus had a tent booth. But power of the human rights movement “comes Maybe the new Museum for Human things didn’t go so well for the premier, who was also the former Ontario agriculture minister. from its inherent religious dimensions.” Rights can provide a forum about religion Premier Wynne and her almost entirely urban Liberal caucus were heckled on the open- Noting that many of the world’s struggles and human rights in the future. Must they ing day parade. Some of the critics were angry as they called for the government to quit for freedom and dignity were led by people always be in opposition? Or are there op- imposing wind turbines on rural Ontario. of deep faith, he suggests that faith is import- portunities for collaboration? It could be a The closing entertainment was superb. It was worth it just to watch the Team Farmall ant because faith often gives believers “the very interesting discussion. perform – eight Farmall tractors square dancing. Excellent entertainment; it drew huge moral inspiration, the popular legitimacy and crowds and not one bit of heckling. the internal strength to endure great suffering. John Longhurst directs communications As a result, faith-based action has been, and and marketing for Canadian Foodgrains Meindert van der Galien is a Renfrew-area farmer who has been covering still is, one of the most important forces Bank, and is also the Faith Page colum- IPM events for many years and will be attending them in the future. Next year undermining repressive political systems nist for the Winnipeg Free Press, where the IPM will be held in eastern Ontario at Finch. everywhere.” this article first appeared. PAGE 16 christian courier

News

Not about us: Twenty 20-somethings living the faith continued from page 8

Ryan Pedde, 28 students feel welcome at whatever level of commitment His prayer is that people would perceive the church as Bethel Community they wanted to give. a place of stewardship. “Maybe they are right, the church Church, Edmonton AB “It’s a tricky thing to reach these students in an increas- did make mistakes, but maybe they could see us in a dif- Associate pastor at ingly commitment-phobic age group; they don’t want to ferent light.” Bethel, Pedde describes get too roped in.” his job as half youth Another delicate line was her own commitment: she ministry, half commun- wonders whether she plugged home life, lab work, ministry ity pastor. Located in an work, social events and church involvement all into separ- incredibly diverse neigh- ate compartments, to the detriment of her witness. borhood, with refugees Jehovah’s Witnesses came by her apartment all the housing and luxurious time, she related, trying to convert her roommate. “They real estate located blocks were tenacious in their pursuit of her soul,” Van Dorp said. away from each other, “Where is our tenaciousness?” she now questions. But even Bethel recently partnered with the Community League. amidst questions, Van Dorp is moving forward. She is fin- Their mission, Pedde explained, includes recruiting ishing up that thesis, and has just begun working with A block connectors, one of which is himself, every 20 houses Rocha in Hamilton. or so who ask neighbors, “what’s your dream for the neigh- bourhood? What are you good at? What are the neighbour- Jeremy Mulder, 25 Andrew Aukema, 29 hood’s strengths?” Calvin CRC, Ottawa, ON Prince George CRC, Prince George BC “It’s probably the thing that I’m most excited about Musician Jeremy Mulder and After he graduated seminary, Andrew Aukema needed right now,” Pedde said. “Reception has been really good; his partner of the folk duo band an internship for the summer where he could just learn and I’ve been invited to people’s kitchen tables and had great Bosveld went on tour this sum- absorb. There was an opening at Prince George CRC, in conversations . . . everyone wants [community], they just mer – on bike. They rode over what he calls a “rough lumber town,” so he took it. Two don’t know how to do it.” 1,000 km for four concerts, years later, he’s still there. Pedde has hopes that this effort, and similar ones, will with all instruments loaded on And the church is thriving. “When people come on a grow. “A missional leader is a pioneer; hopefully I can col- the back. “It was pretty tough!” Sunday morning, there’s a lot of anticipation for being with lect enough stories that I can encourage other people to do Mulder laughed. “We didn’t let each other,” Aukema described. “People don’t just run out it.” But all for God’s glory because of his goodness – that, up on our idea [even when] it the door afterwards.” He sees a main aspect of his work as Pedde wants us all to remember. suddenly became a very intense faith formation – training the many kids in the congrega- reality.” tion. His week’s highlight is Wednesday’s catechism: “All Ryan Smith, 36 Together for a year and a of the kids show up. And all of their own will – even if their Chilliwack CanRC, half, Mulder and Thean Slabbert parents want to skip,” he laughed. Chilliwack BC met at the University of Ottawa, Aukema wants the Prince George community to look at Ryan Smith didn’t where Mulder is pursuing his second masters. Mulder de- the CRC church, and think, “this is the place where people aspire to be a blogger; scribed himself as not edgy: “It’s naive, but I’d like to are challenged and equipped to walk a lifelong journey of in fact, he’s still a little think that music speaks for itself; that is what’s new and being shaped into the likeness of Christ.” incredulous that it hap- exciting.” pened. He started writing Mulder also leads worship at Calvin CRC; his passion is John Kingswood, 25 as a place of account- worship music that “spans the breadth of human emotion Crestwood Presbyterian ability and research. “My and experience.” Excluding lament from worship music is, Church in Edmonton, AB dad walked out when I Mulder said, doing a disservice to us and God. “If we only Capt. John Kingswood was really young; I didn’t focus on the positive moments, then we’re not looking at . joined the military right out of know how to be a good . . reality. We need God the most when we’re down. That’s high school. Now an officer father or a good husband from a Christian perspective. So also the time when music can make a big impact.” in the 1st Canadian Engineer I started this blog, just onechristiandad.” Mulder plans to do music, in some capacity, for the rest Regiment seeking to live out “I didn’t think I had anything to say to anyone except of his life. his faith, Kingswood describes myself,” he remembered. But two years later, he has 2,000 the military lifestyle as “anti- followers reading and commenting on issues of faith ran- David Castonguay, 30 Christian.” People in the mil- ging from financial stewardship to marriage advice. He Montreal QC itary pretty much live as they credits an elder who told Smith that if he wants to contrib- A typical day for David want, he explained. ute to the church, he should do what he’s good at: write. Castonguay involves However, the military also naturally affords two things Married with three children, Smith works as a Security walking up and down the that Kingswood views positively: honesty and camaraderie. and Maintenance Supervisor. Montreal harbor, talk- “There’s no moral pretenses – no moral guidance, but ing to sailors. Working also no moral pretenses,” Kingswood said. Honest con- Carrie Van Dorp, 28 for Ministry to Seafarers, versations can happen easily because the soldiers have no University of British Castonguay connects the reason to say anything except exactly what they believe. Columbia recently landed sailors will And Kingswood appreciates the military’s close-knit Carrie Van Dorp deals calling cards, so they can social construct; relationships become not just an added in unpronounceable words: reach home, or with a safe bonus, but a necessity. “They know that I care about them “ectomycorrhizal fungi” place to stay or relax. because I work with them,” he explained. is the broad subject of her “On a nine-month con- Married with two children and another on the way, thesis for a master’s in biol- tract without seeing their Kingswood does not think that the future church has any- ogy. And she also deals in families, they are very lonely,” he explained. It often opens thing to fear from unchristian trends. Instead, what he hopes indefinable realities. doors for talking about faith. to encourage is a depth of theology. “In our culture of Involved in campus min- Castonguay was just ordained in the ERQ (Reformed social media and twitter and 140-character thoughts . . . istry at the University of Church of Quebec) and hopes to be a chaplain. He admits the theology that we hold or that we try to give to people British Columbia Okanagan, that Montreal is hostile to Christianity, but counters that doesn’t have the depth it needs. . . . A lot of doctrine can’t Van Dorp struggled to “walk “I don’t think we need to despair about it. We should have be explained in a sound byte.” the delicate line” of making hope.” november 10, 2014 page 17

Classifieds

Obituaries Job Opportunities

Anna Mae Haalstra (nee Andringa) 1935 Dirk Jan Kastelein 2014 VICTORIA CHRISTIAN REFROMED CHURCH, Went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 18, of Surrey, B.C. was called by our Mountainview 2014, surrounded by family at the Haldimand War Heavenly Father to Himself on August 18th. CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Victoria BC, currently has two part Memorial Hospital, Dunnville, after a lengthy illness. time positions available: is currently seeking a Anna Mae was in her 76th year. Beloved wife of the late Siebo. Director of Community Life Office Manager Dear mother of Karen, Patricia (Jay) Fedorowich, Mountainview Church is dedicated to biblical teaching, Contact John Messelink, Personnel Co. Ray (Christy), and Marsha. building authentic relationships and reaching out to our [email protected] community in word and deed. We are an enthusiastic 250-380-3985 Grandmother of Tyler, Kyle and Ashley. community seeking to Reach Up to God in worship and Lovingly remembered by sister Kathy (Russ) Voor- prayer, Reach In through discipleship in Jesus Christ, Worship coordinator man, several brothers-and-sisters-in-law and nieces and Reach Out into our community in God’s Spirit of love. Contact Ken Oldenburger, Search Co. and nephews. To assist us in reaching these goals we are currently [email protected] Reunited in Heaven with her son Paul, and parents looking for a Director of Community Life. The Director of 250 544-6005 Richard and Elsie Andringa. Community Life will support and assist the Senior Pastor victoriacrc.com in providing effective leadership to the Small Group and Special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff Pastoral Care Ministries of Mountainview Church. The at H.W.M.H. and Hamilton General Hospital for their Beloved husband of Clara (nee-Wigboldus). Director of Community Life will be responsible for the genuine care and concern. Kanata Community Christian Father of children Audrey, Heidi, Jacqueline, growth of small groups and for shepherding an enfold- Reformed Church located in Kanata, A funeral service was held at Bethel Reformed Church, Paul and their families. ing people into the Small Group Ministry. The Director of Ontario, part of the greater city of 17 Robinson Road, on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. Community Life will also provide leadership to the Pas- Ottawa, has begun a search for a Interment at Riverside Cemetery, Wellandport. Survived by brothers Maarten (Helen), John, toral Care Ministry and direct pastoral care which is most Bill, Jack and Harry. Sister Diane Praamsma often delivered through the pastors, elders, deacons and If desired, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foun- Full-time Pastor (Herman), brother-in-law Kees van Driel, sister- Pastoral Care workers. dation, or Canadian Diabetes Association would be in-law Olena Kastelein. We are in a redevelopment stage seeking sincerely appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to More information about the opportunity can be found in Pre-deceased by parents Cornelis and Bets to reignite the flame of hospitality, accep- BALLARD MINOR FUNERAL HOME, Dunnville. the Job Summary posted at www.mountainviewcrc.org/ tance and belonging. Kastelein and siblings Bastiaan, Anna, Adriaan directorofcommunitylifesearch. Applications for the posi- Online condolences may be made and Cornelis. tion are to include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. The successful candidate will share in our at www.ballardminorfh.ca Memorial service was held at New Westminster desire to be a Christ-centred community, Nominations for the position are also welcome seeking to meet the physical, social and CRC, on August 21, 2014 with Rev. Andrew and should address the candidate’s suitability. Beunk officiating. spiritual needs of those inside our commu- Kindly direct applications and nominations nity and, through this core strength, enable in confidence to: the congregation to be attractive, accept- Director of Community Life Search ing, loving, caring and welcoming to those Sue Kikkert, Human Resources Team outside the church community. 290 Main Street East Interested pastors can visit our website Elly Boersma: A passion for worship Grimsby, ON, L3M 1P8 at www.kccrc.com and can also request a [email protected] church profile from [email protected]. Continued from page 10 Vacations I can’t take any credit for getting it started, but one Drinking lots Holiday accomodation thing that drew me to Covenant and St Catharines was of coffee! I love in Holland the Lockside Cove Café. A couple musicians from the interacting with with vehicle rentals and tours. church had started a music ministry program there called people, so one chestnutlane.nl Friday Night Worship, where they would play music, read thing that helps Scripture, serve coffee and have snacks. We now have me is talking East Coast FLA Condo in Beautiful, Friday Night Worship approximately every six weeks and and network- private golf and nature community, close advertise with posters around the community and at other ing with others, to the famous beaches of Hutchison Is- land, towns and activities, shopping of Fort churches, in hopes that it will continue to grow. It is a especially with Pierce, Jensen Beach. great space to make church accessible to those who may those who are Just north of Palm Beach. 3 bed/2 bath be intimidated by a formal church building. also working fully furnished, tile floors, granite counters, in the church with 2 terraces and garage (2 lvl). Avail Jan 2015, 1 mo rent 2200. How have you tried to engage the congregation to experi- or in worship. [email protected] ence worship in unique ways? Through those I think experiencing worship in different ways can be conversations, Have you experienced challenges as you’ve dealt with as simple as engaging all the senses. We expect sound in we are able to help give each other ideas to stimulate crea- the needs and expectations of people of different ages? worship. We expect to speak and to listen, but what about tivity, sort out challenges or issues we are experiencing, and How about blessings? touch, and taste and smell? encourage one another to persevere, despite those weeks I would say the biggest challenge is learning to serve This past Lent season, leading up to Easter Sunday, when it feels everyone is against you and nothing is going both young and old, and encouraging everyone to set aside Covenant CRC did a series on the different “I AM” state- right. their desires and preferences when we have many different ments of Jesus in the book of John. For each of the state- I would be nowhere without relying on God. I know I ideas, needs and preferences. In catering only to prefer- ments, we asked for items from the church for each Sunday am unable to do this work successfully without God being ences, I think we lose focus of why and whom we are to best visually represent the theme of the day. For “I am the the source of my strength. Lots of prayer, and knowing that worshiping. How good and pleasant and challenging it is Light of the World,” we brought in many different lamps, I have prayer support from many people around me, helps when we come together in unity to worship God. and had them all hooked up on the stage up front. When it me to stay energized and focused even in tough times. The biggest blessings for me in a multigenerational came to “I am the Bread of Life,” we decided to engage the Also, maintaining a healthy social life with friends and church setting are seeing a young drummer develop her sense of smell in worship, and set up breadmakers around spending time outdoors in the Niagara sun keep me re- skills on a worship team, children coming forward with the sanctuary that were baking bread as we worshiped. freshed and energized. their grandparents to light candles for Advent, a five year Throughout the service, the scent of fresh baked bread filled old belting out the chorus to an ancient hymn text, and all our nostrils, making us recognize just a taste of what it is ages joining hands as we sing the benediction. These are to hunger for God, the only one who can truly satisfy us. just some of the many blessings of working with all ages. In a calling that demands creativity, an integrated life, Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a free- Have you brought worship experiences to the community and fresh energy each week to organize and lead worship lance writer living in St. Catharines, Ont. outside the church building? services, how do you stay energized and focused? PAGE 18 christian courier

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s 44 YEARS OF SERVICE s Classifieds Your funds will be invested in Christian Reformed Church and Christian school building projects in DEADLINE Christian Courier is Canada. Providing planned giving and published on the second and forth Mondays of the month. Deadline is 13 Rates to December 31, 2014 estate planning resources days prior to publication date. We pay 2.75% on CRC deposits. and expertise. Henry J. Koornneef, CFP, CPCA Executive Vice President RATES: All personal and family an- Earn approx. 3.2% on RRSP/RRIF/TFSA 905-769-0798 · 1-877-340-9555 · 235 Queen St. S., Hamilton, ON, L8P 3T1 nouncements: $7.00 per square inch. Write: Christian Reformed Extension Fund christianschoolfoundation.ca · [email protected] Display advertising re: businesses and “...serving Christian Charitable Registration # 872708367 RR0001 organizations: $8.00 per square inch. Reformed churches and 45 Harriet St, Toronto ON M4L 2G1 Christian schools since Email: [email protected] PHOTOS: There is a processing fee of 1970" $25 for the inclusion of a photograph Call: 416-461-1207 Fax: 416-465-6367 with a personal or family announcement. Photo space is not charged P.I. SUBMITTING YOUR AD: [email protected] Mail: 2 Aiken St. St. Catharines ON L2N 1V8 or online at christiancourier.ca

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LONGSTAY VACATIONS 2015 for 4 weeks Portugal, apartment Hosted by Merit: Spain and Portugal Galveston, incl. cruise Spain, incl. cruise Arizona , Mesa France, Cannes and Nice Meeting you where it matters. Contact us for all your travel destinations! We can help you plan ahead. In the comfort of your own home we can CALENDAR OF EVENTS answer your questions about:

Nov 13 The 21st Annual Church and Charity Law Seminar, PORTICO Community Church, > Visiting and Service in your own church facility Mississauga. Visit our website carters.ca. > Cemetery arrangements Nov 30 Dutch Service will be held in the Ancaster Christian Reformed Church at 3:00 p.m. COMPASS CREATIVE STUDIO INC TITLE: FLK_Logo_CMYK 201-1040 south service rd CLIENT: Kitching, Steepe, and Ludwig Rev. John Klomps will be preaching. > Monumentsstoney creek, on L8E 6G3 and MarkersDATE: August 2014 www.compasscreative.ca DESIGNER(S): Nick Tenhage Dec 7 Dutch Christmas Carol Service at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Woodstock, Ont. > How we honour ALL prepaid plans Dec 13 Scott Woods Christmas Tradition, 7:00 p.m. Silver Spire United Church, St Catha- rines. We’ll come to you at no cost or obligation. Let us show you how much we understand. Dec 18 The Ambassadors with ladies’ voices and soloist will perform ‘The Winter Rose’ can- REV - SPOT - COATED

tata in Mnt Hamilton CRC at 7:30 PM Pantone 300 C (100%)

Pantone 300 C (65%) Dec 19 The Ambassadors with ladies’ voices and soloist will perform ‘The Winter Rose’ can- Pantone 300 C (55%) tata in at 7:30 PM Pantone 136 C (100%) Jarvis CRC White

Join us on Dec 7th Maranatha at 3:00 p.m. for our annual Dutch Christmas Homes Carol Service Maranatha Homes, located in south Burlington near many amenities, is a place where Christian seniors can Rick Ludwig Garnet van Popta Diane Vanderwoude It’s comforting to come home. enjoy independent living in community with others. • Reasonable rent rates at $821 per month 1-800-737-8275 | kitchingsteepeandludwig.com/faithlink • Newly renovated units • Award winning architectural design • Well maintained building and grounds • No condo fees or utility bills COMPASS CREATIVE STUDIO INC TITLE: KSL_Logo_REV_SPOT_Coated Emmanuel Reformed Church 201-1040 south service rd CLIENT: Kitching, Steepe, and Ludwig All this and more make Maranatha Homes an attractive stoney creek, on L8E 6G3 DATE: July 2014 Voted No. 1 Diamond Winner • Christianwww.compasscreative.ca CommunityDESIGNER(S): Joel Reynolds 170 Clarke St. N. and affordable accommodation for seniors. Woodstock, Ont. For further information contact: Meditation by Rev. Ralph Koops. Rosanne van der Woerd Refreshments served following 109-3260 New St. Burlington ON L7N 3L4 the service. Babysitting provided. 905-681-0311 Just knowing that we have a complete Email: [email protected] campus of housing“ and services at our doorstep, is our peace of mind! Handel’s Messiah, J.N.D. Resident performed by the Georgetown Bach Chorale

Behold and See! Year after year, Handel’s most famous Oratorio Performances are: heralds the seasons of Advent and Christmas for music lovers. This Saturday, Nov. 15, 7:30pm year, under the direction of Ron Greidanus, the Georgetown Bach Lakeshore United Church Chorale will present this baroque period masterpiece in four perfor- 56 North Street mances, two locally in Georgetown, and one each in Goderich and Goderich, ON Caledon East. Over the past 15 seasons, the Chorale has garnered Sunday, Nov. 23, 2:30pm a strong reputation for presenting this work in a superbly pristine and St. James Anglican Church authentic manner, even importing some musicians from as far away Caledon East, ON as Den Hague! The soloists, though, will come from the choir – so- Georgetown, ON pranos Jane Potovszky, and Celine Moore, contralto Pamela Gibson, Saturday, Nov. 29, 7:30pm tenor Marcel van Helden, and bass Bob Knight will be featured. Knox Presbyterian Church Come and experience our offering of “Good will towards men”! 116 Main Street, Georgetown, ON Sunday, Nov. 30, 2:30pm St. John’s United Church 11 Guelph Street Georgetown, ON

Tickets are available online at www.georgetownbachchorale.com, or by calling (905) 873-9909. Call Today and Discover Life is Better at Evergreen Terrace! Tickets will be also be available at the door. 275 Main Street E • Grimsby • 905-309-7888 • evergreenterrace.ca PAGE 20 christian courier

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Worship Symposium 2015 January 29–31, 2015

The annual Calvin Symposium on Worship, at Calvin College and Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI, USA, brings together pastors, worship leaders and planners, artists, musicians, scholars, students and other interested worshipers from around the world. Seminars and workshops feature over 50 themes, including preaching, visual arts, songwriting, pastoral care, Psalms, social witness, youth ministry, the Lord’s Supper, outreach, leadership, and many more.

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship worship.calvin.edu Reconciliation © 2003 by Anneke Kaai, In a Word: See What You Believe. www.annekekaai.nl

a Christian University in Hamilton, ontario

Redeemer’s academic program has allowed me to explore both Music and Biology – the passions that God has gifted me.

Paul Naphtali, Mississauga, ON

This fall, Paul will begin graduate studies in Pharmacology at the University of Toronto Read moRe at MyRedeemer.ca/Paul