CHURCH NEWS

Calls Extended:

To Rev. J.J. Van Eckeveld, of Zeist, the Netherlands, by the Norwich, Ontario, Canada, Congregation.

Calls Declined:

To the St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Congregation by Rev. D. Hakkenberg, of Lisse, the Netherlands.

ROCK VALLEY

A heavy blow struck the congregation of Rock Valley in the death of Albert Maassen, still a young man, 37 years old. For 8 years he had served the congregation as elder, but was cut off by death as a flower of the field. What a heavy blow it was also for his dear wife who was left behind with 9 children. Also for his mother who has been a widow for a few years, and the brothers, yes, for the entire family the blow was very severe. There were many tearstained faces in the church and at the grave. Oh, that a few tears may have fallen in the bottle of which David speaks in Psalm 56.

THE BANNER OF TRUTH

Publication Number (USPS 041–540)

Official Publication of the Netherlands Reformed Churches of the United States and Canada. Published on a monthly basis at 1422 Tamarack Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Subscription price: $4.50 in the United States. $5.50 in foreign countries via surface mail (including Canada) payable in U.S. dollars. Via airmail to foreign countries $20.00, payable in U.S. dollars.

Rev. William C. Lamain, Editor

2115 Romence St., N.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Since we were in the West in the week of May 2–6 to instruct the students, and the Moderator, the Rev. A. M. Den Boer, was in the Netherlands to attend the Mission Day, we were asked to conduct the funeral. On Friday, May 6, we had a short service in the Funeral Home with only the family and relatives. We spoke briefly on Job 14:1.

At one o’clock the funeral service was held in the Rock Valley church. Even that spacious building could barely contain the multitude that had come. All the people were deeply moved when the sorrowing family entered. It was evident that there was love and respect for the deceased in all the four congregations. There was very much sympathy.

After having read Psalm 39, the many needs were brought before the Lord. For a few moments we spoke on Psalm 35:20, the last part, “Them that are quiet in the land.” For himself Mr. Maassen stood afar, his life was mostly between hope and fear, but there were moments in his life when he could testify of the fear of God.

Elder Van Ginkel told of a few such instances, especially when they had been on house visitation together, and the Lord had given an opening. The elder also spoke a few sincere words to the old mother, and to the young widow and her children, of whom the youngest could not yet realize the severity of the blow that had fallen. He also spoke earnestly to the catechism children and to the whole congregation to seek the Lord while He may be found. After the service in the church had been closed with a few words of prayer, preparations were made to go to the cemetery.

A very large assembly gathered at the grave site. With a few words we were given to speak of the difference between a person who must die and a person who may die, according to Ecclesiastes 11 and Romans 5, Adam and Christ, the two covenant heads. The solemnity was ended about 4 o’clock, after we had commended the many needs to the Lord.

An elder with his wife brought us to the plane which left Sioux Falls at 6 o’clock, so that we could meet our loved ones again about 10:15.

THE LORD, A FAITHFUL GOD

For many months we already felt very tired, and this resulted in a heart-attack a few weeks ago. How helpless we can feel when pain suddenly overcomes us! We are dust; mortal beings. It was God’s goodness that we are not consumed; yea, that He has given some recovery. Besides our bodily need, there was also an inward struggle. The devil was going around as a roaring lion. Oh, to have to hear out of his evil mouth, “There is no help for him in God,” can bring so many waves and billows into the heart. From ourselves we don’t have an answer, but God be thanked, after one especially difficult half day, He has given us to beg for a word from heaven. And the Lord was so good to repeat what we had received another time—”which keepeth truth for ever,” and “He shall never forsake the works of His own hands.”

God’s way is in the sanctuary, and although we are a servant with many shortcomings, it was the desire of my heart to serve for some more years. And I may believe that the Lord has promised me that; yea, that He would prolong my days. Although we are not worthy the least of His blessings, He rules and guides, and will fulfill all His promises. It will be my inner desire to do what our hands find to do, but I hope that all can understand that we have to be careful with our body also.

Further, it is my wish to thank everyone, besides my wife and family, for the love they have shown; the ministers, the consistories, the congregations, and all those who made telephone calls from Canada, the U.S.A. and Holland. Above all, receive thanks for the prayers which have gone up to the Throne of Grace.

It is my wish that both my wife and I may humbly acknowledge the goodness of the Lord, and that we might experience what Hezekiah sang in Isaiah 38. Never forget that it can be a wonderful experience if the Lord gives insight into the words of Job: “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” Oh, by grace to bow before Him Who sent His dear Son, Who was in far greater afflictions, is a forfeited blessing, which we wish for each and everyone of you.

LETHBRIDGE

The Lord willing, the Lethbridge Youth Society hopes to host a Youth Conference on Saturday, July 30, 1983. All young people over the age of 16 years are invited to attend, to listen to topics and participate in discussions based on Biblical principles. Those desiring information or accomodation may contact Mr. James Kreft, Box 112, Monarch, Alberta, Canada TOL 1MO; telephone area 403/824-3692. May the Lord add His blessing.

CLASSIS MIDWEST

The Youth Day Conference of Classis Midwest will be held, the Lord willing, in the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Rock Valley on August 6, 1983, sponsored by the Sioux Center congregation. Those requiring lodging shold notify the clerk as soon as possible. Send or call your requests to:

John J. Van Vorst, Clerk

Rte 1, Box 126

Maurice, Iowa 51036

Phone 712/722-3135

THOLEN, THE NETHERLANDS

In the night of May 29–30, 1983, Rev. G. Mouw passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 65. He slept away in the hope of eternal life. His wife had died about a year earlier.

The funeral service took place June 3, 1983, at Tholen where he had served that congregation as Pastor from March 24, 1976 to the time of his death.

May the Lord strengthen and remember the children and grandchildren, also the Tholen Congregation who are now without a Pastor.

The Editor

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