NRC MISSION BOARD OF NORTH AMERICA

After the Synodical Meeting of 1980, the board consisted of Rev. L. Kieboom, President; Rev. J. Beeke, Vice-President; Rev. A.W. Verhoef, Clerk, Student J. Spaans, Treasurer; and Elders B. Harskamp, W. Van Voorst, and J. Van Ginkel. Due to the fact that Rev. Beeke moved to Franklin Lakes, it was decided that Rev. A.M. Den Boer would take his place on the board.

During those years, a very close relationship was enjoyed with the Dutch Mission Board. Regular reports were received about their work upon the mission field and the well-being of their workers.

The report of 1980 mentions that our board, along with the Dutch Mission Board, agreed to send Mr. M. Meeuwse to Irian Jaya as a helicopter pilot. To satisfy the demands of the Indonesian government, he first had to go to California to update his training, learn helicopter mechanics, and gain qualifications to be able to teach others how to fly a helicopter.

When many difficulties arose, it was decided not to try and maintain our own aviation system. Following several meetings, it was decided to give the helicopter with all spare parts and our pilot, Mr. M. Meeuwse, to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (M.A.F.). In return, the MAF. would provide 600 flying hours for the Dutch Mission.

Our board has taken care of the training of Mr. and Mrs. Meeuwse and since that time they have spent many years working for M.A.F. During those years, our mission work was mainly to support the work of the Dutch Mission. For this a yearly donation was made to them. This was not done in 1981, as all the expenses for Mr. and Mrs. Meeuwse were paid by our board.

In 1980, the Mission Report to the General Synod stated that we hoped to establish our own mission post. The board saw the magnitude of this undertaking, but felt that with the Lord’s help it would be possible for our denomination to establish and maintain a small mission post somewhere in the world.

The next question was, where to begin looking to begin this work. The majority of the board desired to begin such a work in Haiti, due to the great spiritual need and the dire poverty of most people on this densely populated island.

A delegation was sent to, Haiti twice, but after much time and effort the board came to the conclusion that the way was not opened for work in Haiti at that time.

In 1981, the late Rev. A. Vergunst had been in contact with various mission boards of other denominations. He was seeking for information for a place where we could work on our own, freely teaching the way of free grace, and the doctrine of the Word of God handed down to us by our God-fearing forefathers. Several contacts were made, but up to this date a definite place has not yet opened up for us.

Rev. J. Den Hoed is clerk of the Mission Board and pastor of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Rock Valley, Iowa.

After the Synodical Meeting of 1982, the Mission Board consisted of Rev. L. Kieboom, President: Rev. A.M. Den Boer, Vice-President; Rev. A.M. Verhoef, Clerk; Student J. Spaans, Treasurer; and Elders B. Harskamp, W. Van Voorst and J. Van Ginkel. At this time Rev. Kieboom become emeritus minister and Rev. A. M. Den Boer became Chairman of the Mission Board. Student J. Den Hoed was added to the Mission Board.

The Dutch Mission Board continues to keep us informed. We are especially interested in the work that is being done in Igedde and Izi, Nigeria. The Dutch Mission Board sent a report about the possibilities in that country, and opened the possibility of establishing a small post next to their post.

At this time, we also received a request for a helping hand from people within the United States. One of them is from the Denver area. Rev. Den Boer and Rev. Verhoef visited the Denver area and investigated if any work can be done there.

Also about this time, a request came from a family in Australia where there are several families who have a desire for the truth. Rev. Den Boer sent some tapes of his Confession of Faith Class to them, so that some instruction could be received.

During the time 1984-86, several changes came on the board. Due to this, the board now consists of Rev. J. Spaans, President; Rev. J. Den Hoed, Clerk; Elder J. Van Ginkel, Vice-President; Elder A. Fintelman, Treasurer; and Elders W. Van Voorst, G. Feyter, and P. De Bruin as board members.

During this time, Rev. A.M. Den Boer and Rev. J. Spaans made a trip to Nigeria to investigate the possibility of establishing a mission post there. Upon their return several recommendations were made to the board. The Ikwo Tribe near the Compound of Nojo appears to be the best place to begin our mission efforts.

During January of 1985, Rev A.M. Den Boer visited Australia and New Zealand. In Australia those who followed the Confession of Faith Class from tapes, were examined by Rev. Den Boer. On Sunday, January 13 ten candidates answered upon the questions of Voetius with “yes”. For the time being, they will become members of the Sioux Center Congregation, Sioux Center, Iowa.

On August 15, 1984, Elder B. Elshout was given permission by Classis East to do the work of an evangelist. Since that time, Evangelist Elshout has been working in the Denver area.

May the Lord grant His indispensable blessing upon all this work.

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