A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

Monthly Letter

My dear young friends,

We read in Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” This is a special call to young people. For man in this earth, remembers many things, but the last thing we remember is that God created heaven and earth. We may have all things that we stand in need of, but do we remember that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights”? We forget that we ourselves are created by our heavenly creator. There is a time to be born and a time to die. All of us are born and all are bound to die. We read that man travels on the broad or on the narrow way. Where are we going, dear young friends, and how do we use the gifts bestowed upon us from above? Who do we serve while we are traveling to our final destination? It is great to hear that our Creator is pleased to call young people, who by nature forget their creator. It is the best time, for what we remember when we are young, we will remember when we become old. If we remember our Creator, we will seek him, for He is the fountain of all things necessary for time and eternity. If we are young and healthy, it is the best time. “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near,” Isaiah 55:6. Without a new heart, we are so occupied by outwardly and visible things, we have no desire and time to remember our creator. If we have a new heart, we will remember and seek Him. The Lord said by the mouth of Isaiah 45:19, “I said not unto the seed of Jacob, seek ye me in vain.” There is a promise that those who seek Him early shall find Him surely. We must remember to seek the Lord in the way of His means. The Lord has given us His word. In his word the way everlasting is explained. The Lord Jesus said to the Jews, “Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they that testify of me.” We must remember our creator and must know him. Jesus said, “This is life eternal that they might know Thee, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” We must remember that we are creatures created by God. We must remember His Law and must seek first the Kingdom of God. We must remember the gospel and how our Creator is pleased to save lost sinners. We must remember that the Lord Jesus is the only Way, Truth and Life. If we do not, it could be too late if we become sick or if we are taken away all of a sudden, or if we become old and have no remembrance anymore. Dear friends, please become acquainted with the word of God and pray that it may be sanctified to your soul. This is to the honour of thy Creator and your own personal salvation.

Your friend and minister,

Timothy Mission Fund

We acknowledge with thanks the gifts totalling $10.00 received during the month of March. During March we were able to make donations in the amount of $50.00 each to the Wycliffe Bible Translators, and to Mr. and Mrs. J. Van Woerden in Rhodesia. This leaves our balance at the end of March at $110.80.

Below are two letters of acknowledgment which we recently received from the Wycliffe Bible Translators, and from Mr. and Mrs. Harold Popovich, for our previous donation to them.

April 2, 1965

Timothy Mission Fund

933 S. Burdick St.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Dear Friends:

On behalf of our organization, may I express our thanks and appreciation for your donation of $50.00 to the work.

I am placing your gift in our Emergency Support Fund. This fund (as you may know) is used to help those of our missionaries who are not receiving adequate designated support. Sometimes this fund gets very low so we are grateful for gifts such as yours which we can place into it.

Eventually, as these funds are disbursed, you may be hearing from a missionary who has benefited from your gift. We trust that any response from the field will be heartwarming to you.

Thank you again for joining us in the task of reaching the Bible-less tribes with the Word of God. May the Lord richly bless you.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS, Inc.

Kenneth L. Watters

Treasurer

Nanuque, M. G., Brazil

March 23, 1965

Dear Timothy Friends,

Thank you for your gift to the work of a New Testament in the language of the Maxakali Indians of Brazil.

The scorching summer is reluctantly drawing to a close here in tropical Brazil and we are grateful for the cloudy days that signal that the cooling rains are not far off. We have had only one rain in this past month and that was a torrential one of the past Saturday. It filled our water tank, giving us a rest from hauling water by bucket from the nearby river, but some folks living on the side of the rock had their flimsy homes badly damaged by the rain. It rained from sundown till something like 2 AM without letup in intensity.

Harold is buying medicines and supplies to take a trip in to the Indians again this week. We heard rumors that the Indians had been fighting against each other and that three men had been killed. There are a number of killings in our memory that have not been avenged, and one man was agitating against another, accusing him of witchcraft in the death of his child. For this reason Harold will go without the family this trip. We appreciate your prayers for us and for the tribe that God will show Himself to be mighty in changing lives.

Healthwise, the children seem considerably improved in their now chronic battle against dysentery. With regular doses of Kaomagma they are eating better and look much better. Harold is busy but well. Fran is also much improved after Cortisone treatment and walks without pain for the first time since late November.

“School” is now held in the afternoon in our living room, and boasts two children’s desks with the teacher’s (mother) desk in between. We are using the International Institute’s courses for first and second grades. They miss out on most of the “enrichment” projects recommended in the books, but Nanuque is a very interesting town, half “wild west” and half lumber town. We watch all kinds of traffic on the road, from lumber trucks and fancy cars to horses, mules and donkeys. Most common vehicle is the jeep and the jeep station wagon. Donkeys are used to carry milk to town and the firewood on their backs. Then there are the barefooted country women carrying bundles of firewood on their heads. Sometimes we even have herds of cattle passing through to market at night. We are still charmed by the cowboy chants and calls. Brazilian children here have few toys and their play is very imaginative. They make toy trucks out of tin cans and matchboxes.

In Him,

Harold and Fran Popovich

Bible Quize

Dear Boys and Girls:

Again another month is past, and it is time for another quiz. This time the first letters of the answers will spell out the first five words of Psalm 96. So this should help you get off to a good start.

You will find that our quiz has several questions about the singing of songs in the Bible, and therefore I chose the little picture of boys and girls singing. Singing is also a part of our church service. I hope all of you join in the singing when in church. As we attend the worship service, it is our duty to sing with the congregation, for can we expect a blessing if we do not concern ourselves with what takes place? This is also true in the Sunday schools and catechism classes.

Some will say, “I cannot sing well.” It is true that in this respect some are more gifted than others. But we are not singing to show others how well we sing, but are singing praises to God. Others will say, “I do not like to sing.” But I am sure that when we consider the purpose, this reason should not be used. And also we must consider that we set an example for those who are younger — as we can lead others by our example to do wrong, so we may by our example lead others to do that which is right. And above all, that our singing may be mixed with a prayer for God’s blessing.

And now for our quiz. Remember — the first letters of the answers spell out the first five words of Psalm 96.

In whose house did the ark of the Lord remain three months, after Uzzah was slain?

What king wrote the book of the Bible, which in its first verse is called the song of songs?

According to Psalm 96, what are the gods of the nations?

Who built an altar unto the Lord, after he had come forth out of the ark?

According to Psalm 96, what are we to give unto the Lord?

In what land did Job live?

The people of what city prayed earnestly to God, after they had been told that within 40 days their city would be destroyed?

What instrument did seven priests have as they marched around the city of Jericho?

After singing a hymn at the last supper, into what mount did Jesus and His disciples go?

What instrument was given to each of the 300 men with Gideon?

Upon what musical instrument did David play before King Saul?

What priest saw Hannah praying for a child, and thought that she had been drinking wine?

What was within the pitchers carried by Gideon’s men?

In what city was the oak tree under which an angel came unto Gideon?

In Exodus we read that Moses and the children of Israel sang a song unto the Lord because Pharaoh’s army had been drowned in what sea?

What prophetess as a judge of Israel led the people to victory, and sang a song of praise, as found in the book of Judges?

Answers for the quiz of last month were as follows:

The first letters spell out — “The King of the Jews” Luke 23:38.

Thirty—Matthew 26:15

Herod—Luke 23:12

Emmaus—Luke 24:13

Kiss—Matthew 26:49

Isaiah—Isaiah 53:7

Nicodemus—John 19:39

Golgotha—Matthew 27:33

Olives—Mark 14:26

First—Luke 16:2

Thorns—Mark 15:17

Hyssop—John 19:29

Ear—John 18:10

Joseph—Luke 23:51 & 52

Elias—Mark 15:35

Water—John 19:34

Simon—Mark 15:21

Answers received during the past month were from:

Beth Sweetman . . Robert Van Dalen , , Wilma Vlietstra . . Trina Vlietstra . . Marlene Van Sweden . . John Van Sweden . . Janet Lee Van Sweden . . Phillip Kaat (2) . . Carol Moerdyk . . Betty Moerdyk . . Geraldine Moerdyk . . Alice Moerdyk . . Tom Blok . . Alvis . . Alvis Koppert . . Harry Koppert . . Mike Meeuwse . . Russell Vanden Toom . . Kris Van-der Male . . Martha Vander Male . . Willis VanDenTop . . Jackie Vanden Berg . . J anna Westrate . . Dick Westrate . . Laurie Westrate . . Brian Zevenbergen . . Neal Hegeman . . Karen Bleeker . .Linda Kay Bleeker . . Benjamin Hegeman . . John Kamp David Kamp . . Agnes De Meester Jane De Meester . . Ruth De Meester . . Joanne Vander Hart . . Pete Van Beek . . Cornelius Van Beek . Ben Van Beek . . Fred Van Beek . . Joanie Mol . . Ann Boluyt . . Mike Mol . . Jackie Sinke . . Herman Sinke . . Adrie Remijn (2) . . Gerdy Remijn (2) . . Berty Remijn (2) . . Mathew Remijn (2) . . Mary Meeuwse . . Dave Meeuwse . . Sheryl Van Giessen . . Ruth Moerhey . . Patty Boluyt . . Mark Teunisson . . Sally Slotsema . . Mary Verdyk . . Mary Moerdyk . . Kathy Johnsen . . Dianne Teunissen . . Judy Teunissen . . Connie Stam . . Andy Stam . . Thomas B. Rose . . Roelie Stapel . . Nelly Droogers . . Wilma Droogers . . Cathy Droogers . . Carol Arnoudse . . Marilyn Arnoudse . . Andy Van Den Toorn . . Marlene Van Den Toorn . . Alan Verbeke . . Herbert Van Den Houten . . Trudy Kreft . . Johnny Stubbe . . Kathy Van Stelle . . Betty Van Stelle . . Joe Beeke . . Joanne Beeke . . Maria Stryd . . Donna Jean Post . . Adrian Van Driel . . Dianne Van Ravens-waay . . Joanne Rus . . Gilbert Rus . . Dale Den Herder . . Corinne Van Veldhuizen . . Wilma Nap . . Clarice Rus . . Peter Kievit . . Doris Van-DerWeile . . Gertrude Spaans . . Dena Spaans . . Joanne Spaans . . Marsha Koedam . . Gary Koedam . . Brenda Fletcher . . Julie Ripma . . Alice Sohoneveld . . Charlene Kwekel . . Melvin Blom . . John Blom . . Betty Jo Mast . . John Mast . . Neil Mast . . Connie De Visser . . Jay Mol . . Peter Vander Jagt . . Gary Roozenboom . . Mark Miedema . . Nellie Heykoop . . Janet Van Grouw . . Corinne Etelman . . Albert J. Etelman . Arie Vandenberg . . Sandra Eppinga . . Laurie Easterhoff . . Betty Joosse . . William Berkenbush . . Kenneth Kaat . . Janice Kaat . . Roger Kaat . . Lois Pluim. . Janet Pluim . . Sandy de Jong . . Sandra De Visser . . Sharon De Visser.

And now it’s time again to answer the letters I’ve received —

BETTY JOOSSE — Congratulations on the new baby in your family, Betty. And a boy at that. I can imagine everyone is real happy. But now you’ll have to be extra helpful, as babies bring lots of work with them. What is his name?

ALICE SHONEVELD — We are glad to have you join us in answering the quiz, Alice. Is Corona very far from Artesia? Have you always lived in California? Next time you come past Kalamazoo, be sure to stop in and say Hello. But in the meantime, do write again.

CONNIE DE VISSER — I hope you have found your name on the list this time, Connie. Generally the names are a month behind because we have to get our material in to the printer. But we try real hard not to miss anyone.

GARY ROOZENBOOM — Glad to hear from you again, Gary. Do you have quite a few animals on your farm? I suppose you help with the chores, don’t you? Do you go to school in Rock Valley? Since I’ve been in Rock Valley several times, I do like to hear from my friends there.

MARK MIEDEMA — Another new friend from California. Do you have any snow at all in California, Mark? I’m happy to hear that you get along well in school. If you may be spared, you will never be sorry that you tried hard in school. Don’t forget to send your answers in from now on, will you? I’m always glad to hear from you.

PETER KIEVIT — No, Peter, I never leave anyone’s name out because they don’t get them all right. I’m sure everyone tries real hard, and that’s the important thing. Keep trying, and you’ll find your name in every month. Say Hello to your folks for me.

WILMA NAP — I am fine, too, Wilma. How about that — no school because the school furnace is broken. Were you hoping that it would stay broken for a few more days? Or do you like school too well for that? Now that nicer weather is here, it wouldn’t be quite so serious if it were to break down again.

CATHY DROOGERS — It was nice to hear from you, Cathy. A belated Happy Birthday — may you have many more. You forgot a word in your letter. You have something that is black, but you didn’t say what. Would it be a cat? Be sure to let me know.

MARY MEEUWSE — Now that your garden seeds are ordered, you’ll soon be weeding your garden, won’t you? Do you still have such a big garden? Did you ever count how many different items you grow in your garden? This would make quite a list, I’m sure.

NELLIE HEYKOOP — A nice letter, Nellie. If you are the oldest, I imagine this makes you mother’s helper, doesn’t it? If your father delivers milk, I suppose he goes out real early in the morning. At least our milk man shows up before I’m out of bed.

CONNIE STAM — Glad to have you answer our quiz, Connie. How long does your Catechism continue? Are you memorizing the entire Catechism or just parts of it? Be sure to let me know if you think the Bible quiz is too difficult.

PHILLIP KAAT — Two letters from you, Phillip. You are getting to be a real letter writer. I was glad to be able to meet you and your parents. Be sure to come again some time. When you see deaf and dumb children, you really appreciate the blessing of being able to talk and hear, don’t you.

BRIAN ZEVENBERGEN — Nice to hear from you, Brian. I am so happy to hear from so many boys and girls, so do keep on sending them in. Every month when I don’t hear from one of my regular friends, I wonder if perhaps they have been sick, or perhaps the quiz was a little too difficult.

HARRY KOPPERT — You must go to the same school that Wilma Nap does, Harry, because she wrote about the school furnace, also. But since you had time to work the quiz that day, it worked out real well, and you did some studying after all. Tell Alice I hope she doesn’t find all the questions too hard.

TRINA VLIETSTRA — Thanks for your letter, Trina. I was looking for it, because Wilma told me you were going to write. If your grandmother and grandfather are coming to visit from Holland, you will have to practice up on your Dutch. Or are you going to teach them English?

DONNA JEAN POST — What a nice long letter, Donna. And thank you especially for the picture of your family. Now I know who I’m writing to. Yes, I think we had more snow in March than we had the rest of the winter. A belated Happy Birthday. Sorry I’m always late with my birthday wishes.

JOHNNY STUBBE — Well, Johnny, it’s good to hear from you again. I hope you haven’t missed any more issues, but if you do, let me know. How are you getting along in school? I suppose you are already looking forward to summer vacation.

TRUDY KREFT — You really have me guessing on one word in your letter. Trudy. It is either “senook” or “shinook”, but I don’t know what it means. You had better let me know. Am glad to see you are getting along so well in school.

DORIS VAN DER WEILE — Thank you for your letter, Doris. I hope we didn’t miss you in listing the names, but I really think its because our list is a month behind. I sure don’t want to miss anybody, because then they might get discouraged and quit. I hope you won’t do that.

SANDY DE JONG — Glad to hear from another new friend, Sandy. You wrote a real nice letter. If you practice your organ lessons real well, maybe someday you can play in church just like your dad. I’m sure you would like that, wouldn’t you? Do you have names for all the cows? Write again, won’t you.

SANDRA DE VISSER — You just made the deadline, Sandy. It was nice to get a letter from you again. So your dog Tammy doesn’t like cats. Do you suppose she would get her nose scratched if she could reach the cat? Yes, in the last few weeks I’ve seen so many robins that I’m sure they have all returned.

JOANNE VANDER HART — I am glad to hear from you, Joanne, and happy to have you join us. Do you live near where the tornado struck? I understand that several members of the Grand Rapids congregation had some damage to their homes because of it. They certainly do a lot of damage, don’t they?

BENJAMIN HEGEMAN — Here is my typing friend again. You forgot a few capital letters, Ben, but otherwise you are doing fine. Do you still have your birds? Yes, robins are plentiful now in Kalamazoo, too. It seems good to have them back, as it is a pretty good sign of nice weather.

NEAL HEGEMAN — Say, Neal, you are a real poet. I think it was real good. If you don’t mind, I’m going to print it here so everyone else can read it, too. (Hope you didn’t mind).

Here is Neal’s poem - - -

THE BIRD

Birdie, Birdie, in the sky;
Why do you fly so high?
Why don’t you come down, in our barn,
Where you are safe from any harm.

Did the bird listen to me?
The barn doors are open;
The bird flies away;
For she has sensed that it is May.

I am glad the bird didn’t listen to me:
For now she’s in the nearby tree;
Building a nest for her young:
While singing a wonderful song.

And now, dear friends, thanks again for your many replies and letters. I hope, if we may be spared, to hear from you all again next month, and possibly some new friends also. May the Lord bless us together with those blessings which He alone can give.

Your friend,

Garret J. Moerdyk

WARNINGS BY THE WAYSIDE

KEEP THE GATE SHUT. Another notice-board which teaches a useful lesson is the caution, KEEP THE GATE SHUT, which is often seen in the country. I shall mention three gates which all boys and girls will find make such a warning needful and wise. What are the names of these three gates? They are: 1. Eye-Gate; 2. Ear-Gate; 3. Lip-Gate.

1. The Word of God contains solemn instances where sin — wrong-doing — entered in at Eye-Gate. If Achen, who lived in Old Testament days, had been enabled to keep Eye-Gate shut he would not have fallen into the snare of deceit and robbery. O what a sad record of the fact, “Be sure your sin will find you out!” The Word of God tells us in Joshua 6 and 7 the command went forth that the Children of Israel were not to take any of the spoils of battle when the city of Jericho was taken, and the treasures of silver and gold, and the vessels of brass and iron, were to be consecrated to the Lord. But Achan, when he saw the spoils of battle, disobeyed the commands and took some things he coveted to possess, and hid them in a tent. The next time the Children of Israel went out to battle at Ai they were defeated, and the Lord showed Joshua, who led the people, that His commands had been broken. The Lord commanded Joshua that he was to go through the camps of Israel, and examine the people, one by one, until he found the guilty person.

What thoughts must have passed through Achan’s mind while the search was conducted. He waited his turn to be examined with a guilty conscience, and, when he stood before Joshua at last, how he must have trembled at the thoughts of his sin. The Word of God tells us, “And Joshua said unto Achan … Tell me now what thou hast done … And Achen answered Joshua, and said, When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.” What a solemn confession, my dear young friends! The judgment of the Lord was meted out to Achan, and his household also. Everything belonging to the poor man was gathered together in the sight of all the people, and then the Word of God tells us, “And all Israel stoned him with stones, and burned them with fire, after they had stoned them with stones.” The tomb of Achan was a solemn sermon on the text, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

Remember the warning, “Keep the Gate Shut.” A good man named John Flavel used to pray,

“O, may my eye kept closed be To what concerns me not to see.”

A look may lead to covetous desires; covetous desire may lead to wrong actions; wrong actions may lead to the loss of character, position and a good name.

2. Another gate is Ear-Gate. As you go about the world, boys and girls, you will often hear conversation which can do you no good — idle talk, foolish jesting, tales, the oath of the wicked. Remember the warning, “Keep the Gate Shut,” when in such company. No tongue can tell the mischief which enters into youthful minds by way of Ear-Gate. Do not lend your ears to any boys or girls who seek to entice you into paths of evil. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Abstain from evil companions. Many a young life has been ruined, and the first step towards it has been mixing with bad companions, and allowing their evil counsel to enter in at Ear-Gate.

A father taught his boy a useful lesson on the danger of evil company. The boy was given to going about with other boys, who did not walk in straight paths, and his father, wishing to break him of the habit, one day brought him home a basket of apples. He gave them to his son, who was very pleased with the present. Upon examination he found one amongst the number was rotten. He took it out, and his father observing him, said, “George, why take that one out?”

“Oh,” said George, “It will make all the rest bad.”

“Well,” said his father, “is it not possible the good apples should make the rotten one like themseles?”

“Of course not,” answered George.

Then his father used the illustration to good purpose, and pointed out how evil companions corrupt good morals. It was a lesson the lad never forgot. Boys and girls, remember the dangers of letting in evil conversation and naughty suggestions at Ear-Gate. “Keep the Gate Shut.”

3. I also mentioned Lip-Gate. O what angry words sometimes pass through this gate! “The tongue is a fire” James 3:6. A lighted match carelessly dropped by the passer-by will burn down a farmer’s haystack. An idle word, a word spoken without thought, an angry word, O what sad havoc one wrong word can do among loved ones and friends!

An old writer says, “It is better to be a bee that gathers the honey than a wasp which stings.”

It would be a great mercy, my dear young friends, if the Lord should be pleased to put the prayer of a godly man within you: “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.”

(To be continued)

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