CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. J. C. Weststrate of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, by the Boskoop, the Netherlands, Congregation.

To Rev. J. C. Weststrate of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, by the Krimpen a/d Ijssel, the Netherlands, Congregation.

Calls Declined:

To the Wageningen, the Netherlands, Congregation, by Rev. M. Heerschap, of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.

To the Veenendaal, the Netherlands, Congregation, by Rev. J.C. Weststrate, of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

PRINCIPAL AND TEACHERS REQUIRED

The Lord willing, the Rehoboth Christian School of Dundas, Ontario will be opening in September, 1978. The school will have grades one to eight inclusive and is supported mainly by members of the Free Reformed congregations of Dundas and Hamilton.

The Education Committee would like to receive applications from persons dedicated to Christian Education.

Salary and assignment will depend upon educational background and experience.

Anyone interested in applying for a position is requested to send a handwritten resume to:

The Rehoboth Christian School Society,

c/o Mr. J. Hamstra,

R. R. #1,

Millgrove, Ontario,

Canada LOR 1V0

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IN CHILLIWACK BURNS DOWN

“I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because Thou didst it.” Psalm 39:9

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 24, 1978, our beautiful Timothy Christian School burned entirely to the ground. Only a few files from the principal’s office could be saved. Within a few hours, everything else was reduced to an ash-heap of rubble, bent steel, and cracked concrete.

Firefighters battled the blaze without success, as flames leaped high into the sky. The disaster spread a reddish glow that could be seen far in the distance. For those who came to look at that time, it was a shocking sight.

We think that in many hearts the question arose: “Why?” Perhaps we do not understand God’s designs in this sore affliction. Yet, we may not pass over these things lightly at the moment either.

I am not planning to write a long article about this calamity. I tried to explain a few things regarding these matters the Sunday morning after the fire. The Lord granted me the faith, however, that He will provide also in these circumstances.

We hope wholeheartedly that it will prove to be a lesson for everyone, not only in our own congregation but in all other congregations as well. Of late the Lord warns us all so seriously. Now again He spoke to us so earnestly. And what shall yet befall us?

Congregations, do we heed His callings? Do we mend our worldly ways because of His admonitions? It is so easy to point to others and to judge our neighbour. But did we ever point the finger at ourself? Did we ever agree with the Lord that we are judged guilty?

Might it bring us to our inner chamber, that we may seriously search ourselves. He gives us to experience what David went through in Psalm 39:9 : “I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because Thou didst it.” That is a good place; then we shall learn to bow under this blow and be submissive to the Lord.

On the other hand we can say: There is honey on the rod. All lives were spared! Many tokens of sympathy were received from all over Canada, the U.S.A. and the Netherlands! How wonderful it was, that with the cooperation of the local Public School District, instruction of the children could start again in three small, unused country-schools within a week! How the LORD provides!

May the Lord grant understanding in drawing up the new plans, wisdom in our decisions, and above all a prayer to Him, Whose is the gold and the silver and the cattle on a thousand hills.

Gratefully we record that we could have a peaceful and united meeting with the members. Stronger than before, the general feeling was: we must go on with the education of our children. May we all humbly seek the Lord’s assistance in providing instruction according to the old, proven doctrine, so that all subjects are under the breath of God’s Word.

Although Mr. Lodder, our architect, still has to work out the plans in more detail, we think the sketch of the new building shows that in a short time much work has been done and that it looks like a very practical building. After some explanation by our principal, Mr. James W. Beeke, with the help of the drawings of the proposed new schoolbuilding, permission was given to continue working out plans, obtaining permits, getting estimates, and so on. We hope to bring a definite proposal to the congregation as soon as possible.

Meanwhile the schoolboard has also acted on some of the suggestions of the members. Several knowledgeable people from outside of our membership are meeting with the architect and the building committee to advise on the plans. One schoolboard member was added to the committee to act as financial coordinator, since such a large amount of money is involved.

We will give a more accurate report on the financial figures when they are available. So far we cannot but say that the Lord has made all things more than well. Many gifts are coming in from the children, parents, grand-parents and others; even from people who have no connection with the school, we receive help.

Nearly all of the congregations in Canada and the U.S.A. promised by telephone that they would soon take up a collection. Our christian schools elsewhere are providing support. There is also much sympathy in the Netherlands. Most of all we value that some of God’s children have worked at the Throne of Grace. May all things redound to the honour of His most holy Name.

Let us trust the LORD, Who inclines the hearts. But let us also, by grace, feel more and more how totally dependent we are on Him.

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust Him.” Nahum 1:7

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHILLIWACK, B.C., CANADA

It is our sincere desire to thank all the congregations and individuals who have sent gifts for the rebuilding of our school. Certainly the Lord has made many hearts willing to help us in our time of need. May the judgments and mercies of God lead us to true repentance before Him through the applying power of His Spirit. That we could truly testify with an Hosea of old: “Come and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up.” (Hosea 6:1).

May the Lord grant us faith to view Him as the God above all circumstances, and may we together bring all our needs to His throne of grace. Without Him we can do nothing, but in and through Him all things are possible.

CANDIDATE JOEL BEEKE PASSES FINAL EXAMINATION

At the last meeting of Classis West held in Waupan on February 15, 1978, Candidate J. Beeke completed his final examination and was unanimously admitted to the full ministration of Word and Sacrament. This was also with consent of the Synodical Deputies for Article 49 of the Church Order.

Candidate Joel Beeke will be installed as Minister of the Gospel in the Sioux Center, Iowa, Congregation by Rev. J. C. Weststrate on March 29, 1978. He will preach his first sermon as Minister on March 30, 1978.

REV. W. SUYKER DEPOSED

After serious consideration, Classis West and the Synodical Deputies, in agreement with the combined consistories of Rock Valley and Sioux Center, deposed Rev. Wm. Suyker from his office as a minister of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation according to Article 80 of the Church Order.

TEACHER NEEDS

The Lord willing, we will be needing two more teachers for the 1978–79 school year. We have one vacant position in elementary and one in secondary. Anyone interested in applying or desiring more information concerning these positions is invited to contact our president or principal. May the Lord graciously provide for our needs in this respect also.

The Timothy Christian School Board

Rev. A.W. Verhoef, President

26 Woodbine Street

Chilliwack, British Columbia,

Canada V2P 5S4

Area 604 795-9075

Mr. James W. Beeke, Principal

10435 McGrath Rd., R.R. #1

Rosedale, British Columbia,

Canada VOX 1X0

Area 604 794-7109

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