A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

Missionary Corner

A LETTER FROM NIGERIA —

Egedde

November 2, 1964

Dear Mission Friends:

Here the recent showers from the rainy season have made the roads impassible. At the moment we are somewhat isolated, as the shorter road to Oturkpo is not fit for use after the heavy showers, and we do not like to use the other road. This road passes through a territory where presently there are many troubles because of the political elections. These elections will be held in the near future, and therefore at this time tensions are in evidence. The relationship between East and North Nigeria is not very good and among them are the Tive’s, who would like to form their own government.

Here in Egedde it is quite peaceful, although near our home this is not always true. The past few months several items have been stolen out of our home. Last week Cobi had gone to Oturkpo, and when I returned at night after a Bible study class, I noticed that someone had been in the house. They had climbed against the wall and under the roof, as there is no ceiling in our house. It is not only that these things are stolen, but it is bothersome that you cannot trust these people.

We felt at home here, as very seldom was anything stolen in this area.

The people are afraid of the “ju-ju” who will punish them if they steal. Anyone that steals will die or is expelled from the community. I heard a sad story about a man who had stolen when he was young. He now wanders from one place to another. When he comes to a village to stay over night, than the people warn each other “We have a thief in our village tonight.”

One item of good news which I can share with you is that a beginning has been made in the building of our clinic and a house, and at the same time places for the boys and girls to live.

We are very thankful that it has progressed this far. Every day we must get along in the limited space we have available. Sometimes there are very sick children whom we should keep here, but we have to let them return home. Last week we had a child of one and a half years, whose mother had died. The child was seriously under-nourished, and from the top of its head to its toes was painted with black splotches. I asked why this was done. They told me that they had done this so that the mother would not recognize the child if she appeared in a dream. The thought is that if a deceased person appears in a dream to someone, evil will result. But now the mother would not recognize her own child and therefore could not leave any evil influence behind.

It is difficult to keep alive babies and little children whose mothers have died, as it is most difficult to find someone who will take care of them. At the moment we have several babies under our care, whom the grandmothers take care of. Every week they come to the clinic for care, necessary in structions, milk powder, vitamins, etc. It is always nice to see them come back. One of the babies is now 9 months old (it was 3 months old when the mother died).

I must now close this letter and hope next time to write more about the progress in building of the clinic.

With friendly greetings from Sister Van Rossum and myself,

(Translated from “Saambinder”)

Timothy Mission Fund

Again we are happy to acknowledge gifts totalling $36.75 since our last issue. The balance in the Mission Fund as of January 31 was $185.70, and from this amount we are forwarding gifts of $50.00 each to Rev. G. Kuijt and Miss Dini Sonneveld. May these mission fields continue to receive your support, both financially and in your prayers at the Throne of Grace.

An acknowledgment was received from the Wycliffe Bible Translators for the gift of $50.00 sent to them from our fund. As we had mentioned a particular interest in Mr. and Mrs. Harold Popovich, who are from our congregation in Grand Rapids, they have credited our gift for use in Brazil, where Mr. and Mrs. Popovich are now located.

The Question Box

Question — What is the doctrine of Professor Karl Barth?

Answer — I am thinking of the book, “The Dogmatiek”, by Prof. C. C. Van Niftrik. This book was writen at the urgent request of the Reformed Council for Church and School. This dogmatiek speaks of principles which are in accordance with the teachings of Prof. Karl Barth. Also called Theology of Crisis, Dialectical Theology, and Neo-Orthodoxy, with approximately the same meaning, Barthianism is a reaction against Modernism, but it is based on modern philosophy rather than on the Bible as the infallible Word of God. According to Barth and his followers, the Bible is a human book. It is not the Bible that has been inspired, they say, but man is the object of inspiration, man for whom the human words of the Bible become God’s word to us. He writes very emphatically against the Calvinistic doctrine of election and reprobation. His standpoint is — “reconciliation has been obtained by Christ for all, but not all partake of it.”

We have written only a few thoughts about his doctrine, but it is entirely at variance with Reformed doctrine. Remember, Barth rejects, in principle and in a manner that is incredibly bold and consistent, the idea that the Bible per se is the Word of God. Barth has a false prophecy in every fundamental truth. He was born in 1886. was a Swiss preacher and later a professor at Gottingen, Minister, and Bonn, and is now at Basel.

Question — What is the doctrine of Billy Graham?

Answer — If we agree with the teachings of Billy Graham, we cannot agree with the teachings of the Netherlands Reformed Congregations. He is a free will zealot and teaches a general atonement. I am not in favor of using a newspaper as proof, and for that reason I have perused his works. I find that it is definitely the doctrine of Arminius that constantly comes to the fore. The free and sovereign work of God is absent.

Do you desire proof? We read in his book “Peace with God” that man receives the power to believe. Does not an error come forth here, namely, the error of denying that man is spiritually dead? On page 45 we read, “the choice that faced Adam still faces us. Everyone must choose.” On page 128 we read, “Man must make a choice.” We would ask — how can man choose? Can a sinner decide for himself that he desires to be born again? And then obtain regeneration, too?

We have presented the teaching of Billy Graham. This preacher of the masses is the more dangerous because he does not deny the work of the Holy Spirit. But it is the work of man that is called the work of the Holy Spirit.

How, you ask, is it possible that he attracts so many people? That is not surprising. There have been in the past similar revivals. In a book by the Rev. James Kidwell Popham, I read that he, a faithful minister, was moved when D. L. Moody and I D. Sankey came to England. On Sundays Rev. Popham would sigh and pray: “Lord, slay the Goliath of the free will”.

What a blessing it would be if in our circles, too, we could hear the yearning prayer that Goliath might be slain.

Questions for the Question Box should be directed to Rev. C. Hegeman, 403 N. Main Avenue, Sioux Center, Iowa.)

ANNUAL MEETING

A special invitation is extended by the Young Members Society

“SOLA SCRIPTURA”

To be held March 23, 1965

at 8 P.M.

in the Presbyterian Churchof Bradford, Ont., Canada

EVERYONE WELCOME

Bible Quiz

Dear Boys and Girls:

Again we were gladdened with . your wonderful response to the quiz, as we continue to hear from so many new friends. There is no book we should become as familiar with as the Bible. For some the questions may be a little difficult, but I am sure with some help from Father, Mother, Sister, or Brother, you can find them all.

It is a blessing when we are brought up in a family in which the Bible is read daily. There are many boys and girls who know nothing at all about it. So I hope you appreciate it when your par ents and Catechism teachers teach you about God and His Word. Many time you will perhaps think that your parents are too strict, but they do it for your best interest. They do it because they love you and are concerned about you. So do your best to honor and obey them.

The first letters of the answers to our quiz spell out whom we should honor, as in the fifth commandment.

1.According to Proverbs 17, what type of son is a grief to his father?

2. Which son of David caused his father to flee, and later was killed while caught in the branches of a tree?

3. A companion of Paul, whose father was a Greek and his mother a Jewess. Paul wrote one of the Epistles to him.

4. Ason of Noah, who mocked his father when he had drunk too much wine.

5. Who said, “My father, me father, the chariot of Israel and the horses thereof”, as Elijah was carried up into heaven?

6. Who clung unto her mother in law, saying, “Intreat me not to leave thee.”?

7. Who was called a “father of many nations”?

8. What captain of the Syrian army was called “My father” by his servants, and was later cured of leprosy by Elisha?

9. What young man was called from caring for his father’s sheep to be anointed king by Samuel?

10. What man was notified by an angel that he and his wife would have a son? The child became a Judge in Israel.

11. The father of Jesse, thus the grandfather of David.

12. The father of Abraham.

13. What mother prayed for a child, and afterward lent him to the Lord to serve in the Temple.

14. The priest whose sons Hophni and Phinehas did wickedly.

15. The king who did not hearken to the counsellors of his father, and caused the revolt of the ten tribes.

Answers to our quiz in the February issue are:

1. King James Version

2. Jonah

3. Exodus

4. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

5. Obadiah, Philemon, II John, II John, and Jude

6. Psalms

7. Joshua

8. The Revelation of St. John the Divine

9. I Corinthians

10. Fourteen

11. Exodus and Dueteronomy

12. Genesis

13. Malachi

Answers were received from:

Harry Stam (2) … Karen Bleeker (2) … Sjaane Van Winnerden… Margaret Van Wingerden … John Van Wingerden … Billy Van Wingerden . . . Wilmer Middendorp . . . Mathew Remijn .. . Gerdy Ramijn . .. Adrie Remijn . . . Berty Remijn . . . Betty Joosee (2) … Andrew Feyter . . . Donna Jean Post (2) … Philip Kaat . . . Alvis Bern Koedam (2) … Sandra Van Grouw . . . Linda Van Grouw . . . Geraldine Van Dyke . . . Denise De Kraker … Lauri De Kraker . . . Trina Vlietstra . . . Wilma Vlietstra . . . Harry Koppert . . . Alice Koppert . . . Kathy Johnson . . . Corrie Veenema . . . Ruth De Meester . . . Jannie Veenema … J. Veenema . . . Agnes De Meester … Jane De Meester . . . Glenda Van Dam . . . David Kamp . . . Kay Kamp . . . John Walma Jr. . . . Jo-an De Visser . . . Nellie Heykoop (2) … Sandra K. Eppinga . . . Gary Koedam . . . Russell Vanden Toorn . . . Wilma Nap . . . Brenda Fletcher . . . Kathy Kelderman . . . Arnold Kelderman . . . Carol Moerdyk . . . Alice Moerdyk . . . Joanie L. Mol . . . Mary Meeuwse . . . Dave Meeuwse . . . Mike Meeuwse . . . John Kamp (2) … Joyce Kamp . . . John Walma, Jr. Tom Boluyt . . . James Boluyt (2) . . . Gloria Boluyt (2) … Patty Boluyt . . . Marlene Rosendall . . . Dianne Rosendall . . . Herbert Van Den Houten (2) . . . Diane Teunissen . . . Mark Teunis-sen . . . Judy Teunissen . . . Aurey Greendyk . . . Maria Stryd . . . Joe Beeke . . . Joanne Beeke . . . Doris Van Der Weile . . . Janet Pluim . . . Lois Pluim … Linda Bleeker … Harlan J. Spaans . . . David A. Spaans . . . Carol Van Tilburg . . . Jean Van Tilburg . . . Jolene Van Roekel . . . Willis Van Den Top (2) . . . Audrey Velier . . . Bobby Velier . . . Clarice Rus (2) … Arie Vandenberg . . . Tom Blok . . . Neal Hegeman . . . Trudy Hegeman . . . Benjamin Hegeman . . . Geraldine Moerdyk . . . Betty Moerdyk . . . Marsha Koedam . . . Kathy Van Stelle . . . Mary Van Stelle . . . Betty Van Stelle . . . Patty Ann Rademaker . . . Jane Irene Rademaker . . . Jackie Harskamp . . . Diane Harskamp . . . Joanne Rus . . . Martena K. Spaans . . . Anna May Spaans . . . Dorothy Fay Spaans .. . Gloria Gay Spaans … Gary Roozenboom . . . Dale Den Herder.

And now we have quite a few letters to answer —

NELLIE HEYKOOP —I have two letters from you, Nellie. What grade are you in? If you like your teacher, then you like school too. Right? I put in a few hard questions to make you work just a little harder.

MARY MEEUWSE —Glad to hear from you again, Mary. I’m always glad to hear how you’re getting along in school, what you’re studying about, and also how you like the quiz. I’ll be looking for another letter next month. O.K.?

JANNIE VENEMA — It does take quite a while for mail to get here from Australia, Jannie, unless it comes by airmail. But it does get here. My daughters laughed because Australia reminded me of kangaroos. Swimming in the Pacific Ocean must be quite nice. Do you have any Winter weather-there?

WILMA NAP —Thank you for another letter, Wilma. By the time you get this issue the Winter will again be past for us. Of course, if we lived in Australia the Summer would be over. Seems strange, doesn’t it? What is your dog’s name?

DONNA JEAN POST —Two letters from you, too, Donna. You have been real faithful in answering the quiz and writing letters. Sorry to hear about Mr. Van Kekerix. How true it is that death can come to the young as well as the old. May the Lord remember his wife and children.

ANDREW FEYTER — Your name is listed this time, Andrew. You see, we send the material in about a month ahead of time in order to get it printed and mailed, and sometimes answers and letters arrive the very next day after we have mailed it. So then these must wait for the next issue.

ADRIE REMIJN —It’s real nice to hear from another friend in far-off Australia, Adrie. Do you live near Jannie Venema? Are there quite a few people from Holland living near you? I certainly hope your father is feeling much better again. (Adrie or Audrey would like a pen-pal. She is 16 years old. Her address is 10 Bristol St., Berkeley, Australia.)

PHILLIP KAAT —Your letters are quite interesting, Phillip. How do your rabbit traps operate? Do the rabbits trap themselves or do you have to watch for them and pull a string? Do you still scrape dishes at school every noon, or was that just a one day job? Write again, won’t you.

TRUDY HEGEMAN —It’s good to hear from you again, Trudy. I make up my own quizzes, so it takes me almost as long to make one as it does for you to answer it. I have told the gills to write, so I’m sure you’ll be hearing from them.

NEAL HEGEMAN —Yes, it has been quite a while since you last wrote, Neal. I’m happy to hear your father is feeling much better. Have you been out to the farm lately, or are you too busy going to school? Write again soon.

BEN HEGEMAN — You make a fine typist, Ben. Your father will put you to work if he sees how good you are at typing. Did you catch your birds? Can you tell them apart? Give my regards to your parents.

GARY ROOZENBOOM —You did real well in answering the quiz, Gary. Do you live right in Rock Valley, or do you live on a farm? Glad you like our new paper.

WILMA VLIETSTRA —Glad to have you write us, Wilma. Do you have a lot of cows on your farm? How about chickens and pigs? Big hills are lots of fun in winter, but its a long walk back up. Tell Trina I’m looking forward to her letter.

JO-AN DE VISSER — Thank you for your letter, Jo-an. I would think your dog would have indigestioon if she ate a little white ball, thinking it was a marshmallow. Does she like marsh-mallows? What is your dog’s name? KAREN BLEEKER — Glad you liked the picture, Karen. Is Ireton near Rock Valley? I have been in Iowa, but I don’t recall being in Ireton. Hope you don’t find the quizzes too difficult. I’m looking forward to receiving that picture.

BETTY JOOSSE —Two letters from you, Betty. You were almost a New Year’s baby when you were born. I didn’t find any wrong answers on your paper, so you did real well. I hope to continue hearing from you.

SJAANE VAN WINGERDEN —I imagine your father had lots to tell about his trip to Holland, Sjaane. I imagine you would have liked to go along. Can you speak Dutch? 15 inches of snow is a lot of snow. We haven’t had too much at any one time this year.

And to EVERYONE —thanks again for all the answers and letters. Don’t forget to remind your parents about sending in their subscription for the Banner if they haven’t already done so.

Your friend,

ADDRESSES FOR TIMOTHY CORRESPONDENCE:

Timothy section —

Thomas Moerdyk

1222 Vassar Drive

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Timothy Mission Fund —

933 S. Burdick Street Kalamazoo, Michigan

Bible Quiz —

Garret J. Moerdyk 1104 Roseland Avenue

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Marriage

(continued)

Last time we wrote about the ordinary marriage. Now we wish to write something about the unfortunate marriage.

The unfortunate marriage is that marriage where the two persons must realize as follows: “Our marriage should never have taken place. We should never have gone together because we do not suit each other.

Unfortunately it is an oppressive yoke that binds these two together. It is a painful subject, but I still want to speak about it in an honest way because these unfortunate marriages are not only found among totally worldly people but also among us. While the unfortunate marriages are sometimes noticeable to outsiders because of violent quarrels and fierce conflicts, for the most part the outside world scarcely notices anything of it. When they are among other people they act normally, but at home there is mutual silence and coldness. Inwardly they are strangers to each other. Outwardly the bond between husband and wife still exists but that bond is no longer active. It is a bond of burdened restlessness usually suppressed, but the feeling is something like this: “If only we hadn’t ever become acquainted with each other; if only we hadn’t ever gotten married.” Every Minister and Elder knows of similar sad examples in the practice of caring for souls. Whether he feels truly hurt or keeps it hushed, he nevertheless still sees it when he has his eyes open. I find it a painful matter to be obliged to write about this, but I must do it because there may be readers to whom this may apply and who may benefit from this.

We must never forget that the unfortunate marriage is nevertheless a bond. In these modern times it is regarded the same as it was by the Pharisees in the days of the Lord Jesus because in both cases it was thought best that these two should part from one another. In our times it happens that one of the two accuses the other party of committing adultery, and after an agreement with each other the other party does not deny this, and so the matter is settled. But God’s Word teaches us how strong, how unbreakable the bond of marriage is. For, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

If your marriage is such an unfortunate marriage, do not give yourself over to the gloomy conviction that nothing can be repaired in that broken mess and that you just have to accept that oppressive bond because there simply is nothing that can be done about it. No, do not ever regard it in this way. Try to see your own shortcomings and faults because then the faults of the other will seem smaller. Yes, entreat the Lord that He will give you strength to forgive, to struggle, and to be able to put into practice: “Love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” So in this way the bond that binds these two is sanctified. If they may only truly desire, pray, and try. If only they may receive the courage to speak with a trustworthy friend who can give counsel. Yes, pray the Lord together that He may let you experience that grace in marriage that heals, renews, restores. If you are thus actively engaged in this way, then you will perceive the wonder that you are getting along better than you ever had thought possible before in your hopelessly accepted marriage.

The end.

(This concludes the series of articles on Marriage by Rev. H. Rijksen, which were translated from the Saambinder by Mr. and Mrs. John Beeke. We acknowledge with thanks their labours in making these articles available to us.)

John Calvin

(continued)

4. Calvin brought forward.

When Calvin returned in Paris, he found the city full of commomotion. What a disappointment for Calvin! Things had turned for the worse. Persecutions had broken out in full swing. Rome had decided to bring the Protestants back to the mother church, if not willingly, then by force. The persecuting spirit of Rome’s church made it impossible for John Calvin to stay in that church any longer. After due consideration and much inward strife he decided to turn his back upon the church in which he was brought up.

At the Universities it was the custom for each professor to be appointed as rector of the school for one year, each taking a turn. At the end of that school-year, he delivered a speech — attended by other professors, doctors and the students of all faculties of the university — in which the accomplishments, the growth, and other details of the university were enumerated. This particular year it was the turn of Professor Nicholas Cop.

On November 1, 1533. a brilliant assembly was gathered in the church where Professor Cop was to deliver his speech. John Calvin was also present. Soon after the professor had begun, some of his hearers were becoming uneasy in their seats — monks and other Roman dignitaries knit their brows and began to whisper to one another.

And the reason for this? Professor Cop, in careful words, condemned the Roman Catholic religion which teaches that a man can be saved by his own works. He also attacked the Roman doctrine of trans-substantiation, which holds that the bread and the wine in the Lord’s supper are essentially changed into the body and blood of Christ. Many of his hearers were astonished, and, pointing in the direction of Cop, they said in anger: “He is a Lutheran dog;” and others began to shout: “Away with him!”

Professor Cop left the church immediately after his speech and went to his friends. There they discussed the sequel of his speech and what was to be done. Don’t stay in Paris, they advised him! What had happened? Professor Cop’s address had struck like a bomb! Who could even have dreamed of a Rector of the Sorbonne defending the “new doctrine” as it was called? The Roman clergy was furious. Cop was summoned to appear before Parliament. A strange rumor was whispered in Paris. Some said that a young scholar by the name of John Calvin had made Cop’s address, or at least helped him with it.

A month after this event, we see Professor Cop starting out in academic procession for Parliament, to be tried for his address. This might mean his death. However, while on his way to answer a summons from the Parliament, a messenger stopped Professor Cop, handed him a warning from one of the members of Parliament and said: “Flee for your life!” And suddenly, Cop jumped out of the procession, made a dash into an alley and disappeared into a crowd of students who helped him escape to Basle.

(To be continued)

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