NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Extended and Declined

By Rev. M. Golverdingen of Utrecht, The Netherlands, to the Kalamazoo, Michigan congregation.

By Rev. J. Den Hoed of Sioux Center, Iowa, to the Clifton, New Jersey congregation.

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW ADDRESSES

Rev. and Mrs. H. Hofman

905 4th Ave., N.E., Sioux Center, IA 51250

(712) 722-4350

Rev. and Mrs. C. Vogelaar

729 Willow Run, Wyckoff, NJ 07481

(201) 891-0954

FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY IN THE MINISTRY

The Lord willing and we live, it will be forty years ago on October 13, 1988, that our minister, Rev. M. Heerschap, was installed for the first time into the office of pastor and teacher by the late Dr. C. Steenblok.

In consultation with our minister, the consistory has decided to remember this in a special service on Wednesday, October 5, 1988, at seven-thirty in the evening.

It is the wish and prayer of the consistory that the Lord will further spare His servant so that in the ministry he may flourish in the courts of the LORD, to the praise of His Name, and to the salvation of poor sinners.

—The Lethbridge Consistory

NEW RECORDING AVAILABLE

The choir of the Kalamazoo Netherlands Reformed Congregation has produced a stereo chromium-dioxide cassette. It contains a combination of psalters, dutch psalms, and organ solo. To obtain copies, please send $7.50 (US) or $9.00 (Canadian) to:

Dennis Van’t Zelfde Sue Meschke

1733 Glendale Blvd. or 8113 Lakewood

Kalamazoo, Ml 49004 Portage, Ml 49801

Revenue received will be used for various denominational purposes.

CORRECTION: In the Elders’s Forum article by Elder G. Feyter included in the July issue two words were inadvertently dropped in transcribing. In the second paragraph of the third column the sentence should have read, “There is then no life given to the dead and there is then no salvation for such lost ones.” We are sorry for this oversight.

—GJM

“FAREWELL” SERMON OF REV. H. HOFMAN IN KALAMAZOO

Rev. H. Hofman bade farewell to his congregation of Kalamazoo on Sunday evening, July 3, with the words found in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” These words at the conclusion of Paul’s second epistle to the Corinthian congregation were especially appropriate as Rev. Hofman separated himself from his congregation of four and one-half years. In explaining Paul’s farewell message, he spoke on the following three points:

(1) Paul says farewell with an eye upon himself;

(2) Paul says farewell with an eye upon the congregation; and

(3) Paul says farewell with an eye upon God.

In prayer Rev. Hofman laid the needs of the congregation before the Lord, but also sought the Lord’s forgiveness for all the sins and shortcomings of his ministry in Kalamazoo. With the poet he begged, “Wash me, make me pure within, cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin,” only on the basis of the precious blood of Christ.

The end of Paul’s instruction to the congregation of Corinth was a hearty wish for their spiritual welfare. With the word “finally,” his labors for the congregation were finished. Likewise Rev. Hofman’s labors have come to an end in our congregation as our minister. He noted that the word “finally” in the Dutch Bible reads “voorts” (further, besides), which is so fitting for this occasion. Although a parting must take place, each must go further, and there is a “further” because the well-being of the congregation does not exist in man. Our expectation must be in Christ Jesus, the sovereign Head of the church.

Paul’s word “farewell” also was more than a wish for a good journey or a pleasant future for the congregation. He expressed a desire for their spiritual joy, as denoted by the words used in the Dutch Bible, namely, “wees blijde” (rejoice). It was not a rejoicing or gladness because of their separation upon leaving one another, but that there may be a rejoicing in the Lord, a joy because God lives. In the hands of Jesus Christ is the welfare of the congregation, and Christ continues His work. His finished work is the only foundation of salvation. Thus Paul instructed the Corinthians, and Rev. Hofman might echo his words.

The apostle further showed them the way in which the church could expect God’s blessing. Unity, a serving of each other, an esteeming of others higher than themselves, being of one spirit, and being confirmed in the truth were all stressed by him. Divisions existed in the congregation of Corinth, but not to their benefit, and Paul urged a living in peace, for then he added, “and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” Rev. Hofman also expressed this desire for the congregation of Kalamazoo. God is the Author of love and peace, and there He will abide. If He may abide, there shall be no want.

In conclusion, Rev. Hofman addressed Dr. Beeke as moderator of the congregation of Kalamazoo, the consistory with whom he may have worked together as “brethren,” and the congregation. His appreciation was expressed for love, support, patience and help from the very day of his arrival from the Netherlands. Thanks were expressed to all those who functioned in various capacities in the congregation, also the youth group and the Dorcas Guild. The school board and the teaching staff were also remembered, but especially the children of the school. Young and old were addressed, also the children which remain behind in Kalamazoo. Unto all present he held forth the words of the psalmist, “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass.”

After singing Psalter 128, Dr. Beeke spoke a few words in behalf of the Classis and of the congregation of Grand Rapids, where Rev. Hofman had served so frequently after the death of Rev. Lamain. He thanked Rev. Hofman for those labors, which by the grace of God he had been enabled to perform, and prayed that the gifts which the Lord had given unto him might also be used of the Lord in his new congregation. Dr. Beeke also spoke a few words to the consistory and congregation of Kalamazoo and to Mrs. Hofman and family, wishing that they may fare well in the future under the blessing of the Lord.

Elder Moerdyk spoke in behalf of congregation and consistory, expressing the hope that the more than four hundred sermons preached from the pulpit in Kalamazoo, each sermon a seedtime in the midst of the congregation, might be nurtured and be caused to increase under the providing hand of God. After the singing of Psalter 345, Rev. Hofman laid the blessing upon the congregation for the last time as their pastor.

—GM

THE INSTALLATION SERVICE OF REV. H. HOFMAN IN SIOUX CENTER

On the evening of July 13, 1988, a remarkable and miraculous event took place here in the congregation of Sioux Center, for the Lord has inclined the heart of Rev. Hofman to accept our call and this evening it became a reality. After a short time of being vacant, Rev. Hofman could be installed as our pastor.

Rev. Den Hoed conducted the installation service. In his opening prayer, he entreated the Lord to humble our hearts, and that the labors of our new minister may be blessed. He prayed that Aarons and Hurs may be found in the midst of the congregation and placed the needs of His servant, our pastor, and his family at the throne of Grace.

In his sermon, he spoke of how it is now an hour of joy and gladness for the congregation of Sioux Center. After just a few years, it has been given that this brother may be installed in our midst as a minister and shepherd that the Lord has given.

The Lord gives a servant with a special purpose in the service of his Sender, to sow the seed of His Word.

Rev. Den Hoed’s text was taken from Mark 4:26–29. “And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”

Obituary notices are printed tree ot charge and are submitted by the officiating minister; marriage and anniversary notices will be charged at $5.00 per issue and must be individually submitted. Other announcements and/or requests will be approved by the editorial committee on an individual basis as received. (Church events or school needs, such as upcoming classical meetings, “teachers wanted,” office-bearer conferences or youth day conferences will be announced free of charge.)

To place an announcement, simply type (or print neatly) your information, enclose $5.00, and forward to “News and Events,” 2115 Romence St. N.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 by the 5th of the month preceding publication.

His theme was “The Coming of God’s Kingdom as the Hidden Work of the Holy Spirit,” with three main points. 1. The means whereof the Spirit makes use. 2. The work wherein the Spirit is glorified. 3. The fruit wherein the Spirit is crowned.

The text speaks of a man that is casting seed into the ground. The work of the Holy Spirit is first the casting of the seed. This seed has to take root down, first the blade, then the stalk, then the ear. Silently it takes place. We cannot see it; we cannot hear it, but it is hidden. The seed spoken of here is the spiritual seed of the law and gospel. The law as breaking up the ground and preparing a seedbed for the gospel as a free and sovereign work of God, a wonderful balance of law and gospel as a work of the Lord.

We are responsible for every word that our new minister may speak from this pulpit, whether we come under the preaching of the Word or not. We must avail ourselves of that balanced seed that may be sown.

Have we ever wondered that the Lord says, “a man casting,” and not “my servant casting”? He sends a man with the same nature and faults as all of us, but a man casting the seeds of law and gospel. The Lord has called him to cast that seed in the midst of the congregation. He is not responsible for the harvest, for God will take care of that. But he is responsible for the balance of that seed, that it may be according to the Word of God. He needs a congregation that may carry him to the throne of Grace in all the labors he may perform in our midst, and above all, the enlightening of the Holy Spirit.

In his second point, Rev. Den Hoed spoke of a growing time wherein the work of the Spirit is glorified. It is the Spirit of God who must give fruits unto this seed, also in the growing time. It must take root downward. The root holds the plant in exactly the same place and nourishes it. So it is also spiritually. Something has taken place in the ground that none can explain, and a blade becomes visible. So it is spiritually, first the blade, not immediately a stalk or an ear. This is the time when the Lord opens the heart, where a sinner comes to himself as he is and cries out, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” He becomes so unconverted. But if it is seed that was sown by a man of God’s calling, it will become a blade. It will grow into a stalk and into an ear, and bear fruit, for it is God’s own work.

Sometimes it is so dry, as it is in nature at the present time, and it becomes so stressed, that it must send its roots down deep into the subsoil to get moisture that is still there. So also the soul must go down into the subsoil moisture of the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and His merits. The life of God’s people is then sustained, even though it is so dry outwardly and spiritually.

Satan has a way to tempt them, saying they are not the full ear of corn, but if the beginning is right, the end will also be right, because it is the work of the Lord. Has there been such a beginning in our life?

In his third point, Rev. Den Hoed spoke of how in the natural dryness the leaves of the corn go up and the ears become more visible. So also in the spiritual stalk, in the time of stress and drought, the work of the Lord shows itself in the desire of the dew of the Holy Spirit, and the harvest time is come. He is made alive from the bottom up from the sub soil moisture it received, through his roots, which is the Lord Jesus Christ who has merited this for His people. These fruitful ones mourn because of their own barrenness, and cannot bow and miss so much and have so much trouble. Like an ear of corn, when it comes to maturity and is ready to harvest, it bows down to the ground—so the people of the Lord are humbled more and more in the way of grace. But in the harvest time God will wipe away all tears from their eyes and they may have that one Shepherd. They will be troubled no more but sing, “Through Thee, through Thee alone, because of Thy eternal good pleasure.”

What will it be for us in that great harvest time? Will we be gathered or will we be cast away into the fire? For the seed is cast out each Sunday and now by a servant, a man God has sent you.

The form was read and Rev. Hofman answered, “Yes, truly, with my whole heart” to the questions. Rev. Den Hoed spoke a few words to him of how that the Lord has given him a new field in which he may labor and that in the strength of God he may cast out the seed and have a place in the midst of the congregation where there is such a great need for a shepherd. May it be to the glory of God and the upbuilding of His church.

Congregation, the Lord has given you a man to cast forth the seed of the law and gospel in your midst. He is responsible for the seed, but you are responsible for what you do with that seed. Prayerfully bring before the Lord that it may be His seed, and that it may find a place in your heart.

The congregation was then asked to sing Psalter 372, stanza 2 while standing, for this great event, after which the rest of the form was read.

Rev. Den Hoed closed the evening service with prayer and the benediction.

—JVV

THE INAUGURAL SERVICE OF REV. HOFMAN IN SIOUX CENTER

On the evening of July 14, 1988, the congregation of Sioux Center was again gathered in the house of God to see their own minister ascend the pulpit to proclaim the whole counsel of God, as the under-shepherd of this flock. It was indeed a moment of joy and gladness.

Rev. Hofman, after pronouncing the blessing on his new flock for the first time, opened the service with the use of Psalter 187 and reading the Twelve Articles of our Faith. The portion from Scripture he chose to read was from Isaiah 53.

In his prayer he beseeched the Lord to open our understanding, confessing our unwillingness for the Lord to reign over us, and placing before the Lord the needs of a man that must cast the spiritual seed in the ground at this place. He prayed that there may be sinners who hear the voice of the Son of God, through the lively preaching of the Word and the guiding light of the Holy Spirit.

He opened his discourse by pronouncing what a great privilege it is to be in the house of God for the second time this week. What are we doing in God’s house? To see a new minister, to hear him? But that is not the purpose of this evening. The purpose of this evening is to hear the Word of God. The Word that we can hear of in Acts 8:35 which will be the text for tonight, “Then Philip opened his mouth and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”

The theme for this evening is “The Task of a Gospel Minister,” with these thoughts: 1. The minister of the gospel has to go where God sends him. 2. He has to preach Jesus Christ. 3. He has to wait upon the Holy Ghost.

This is an important moment for all of us, for us as a congregation and for him as our minister of the gospel. The Lord has opened a way for him to come here and that it may be in God’s favor. That it may be for us all a savor of life unto life, that it may be our prayer that he may have come for us personally, and especially for the young people.

And what is the task of a minister? The preacher is to place himself continually under divine direction. Here, we see in this text, that the Lord directed the steps of His servant. The angel of the Lord gave Philip definite instructions where he should go. It was not the desire of Philip to go to this place, for he had a place in Samaria where the Lord worked powerfully with the Holy Spirit. Rev. Hofman spoke that so it had been with him, but he had been made willing by the Lord by divine direction to do His work at this place and was given peace and rest on the way here.

The purpose of the Lord’s sending Philip to this eunuch was to preach to him Jesus Christ. This eunuch had been awakened to spiritual anxiety by the Holy Ghost; he came to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home. And, behold, it was in the Lord’s direction that this disciple and eunuch should meet in the desert. The eunuch was reading from the Word of God, Philip hearing him as he drew near to the chariot. He did not understand it, but still was reading it with a prayerful heart. There was a longing in his heart to understand it. How is it when we read the Bible?

Is there a longing to understand it, and a praying for a man to instruct us and explain that Word as this eunuch had? Oh, there is instruction and a way open for such sinners in the way of salvation to come to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom to know is eternal life. There are three things here: the Bible, the preacher, and a lost sinner. The Lord will use these things to bring sinners to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, without whom there is no life. Without Him we are dead in sins and trespasses and are caught in the power of Satan. This man was missing Christ. He felt the emptiness of his life without Christ. Is this our life, congregation? Do we feel we are incapable of doing any good and are inclined to all evil? Do we know ourselves and cry out, “Give me Jesus, else I die”? Do we have a longing to know Him?

Here is an answer for an empty heart, an answer for a desiring soul, as it was for this eunuch. Philip began at this same Scripture and preached unto him Jesus Christ, the beginning, the continuation, and the end of all revelation. This is the great demand of all gospel ministers.

The heart of Philip was filled with Jesus Christ. It is remarkable how Philip’s preaching was blessed, not because of Philip, but because it is the work of the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ, to discover unto sinners their emptiness, their sins, and their foolishnesses. And if Christ is not preached, then there is nothing to do for the Holy Spirit, but Christ is made necessary through the preaching by the guiding light of the Holy Spirit. The task of a minister is to preach the necessity of Christ’s humiliation, His sufferings, and His death. We are the children of Adam and we cannot pay our debt with our works, with our prayers, with our tears, with our experiences. We stand in such a desperate need for the substitutionary work of Christ and must become sinners before the majesty of God. Christ must become our righteousness.

Rev. Hofman spoke that he might preach in our midst to cut off everything from our side, to take away all our own possibilities, to preach that only foundation, the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, to preach as Philip did, of Christ and the end of His humiliation, and to preach Christ and His exaltation.

In closing, he spoke a personal word to Rev. Den Hoed, thanking him for all the labors during our vacancy, and for the message he had brought the night before. He also thanked Dr. Beeke for taking the time to be here this evening. He spoke a word to the consistory, that we all are only men, having many shortcomings, but that we may work together in brotherly love and peace. He spoke also to his wife and family and to all those who had helped with his move here and the work done to make it go smoothly. He invited all those with troubles, whether outward or inward, to visit him, especially the young people. He spoke a special word to the organists, remembering also the school faculty, school board, and janitors.

Rev. Den Hoed then spoke on behalf of the Classis Mid-West, welcoming him to the Classis, and hoping that the Lord may bless the seed that he may sow in the congregation.

Dr. Beeke spoke as our former pastor, that they could labor together in peace and brotherhood as in the past, and thanking him for the work done in Classis East. He hoped he would do all his labors here as before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, hoping that the consistory and congregation could do the same.

Elder Art Den Hoed spoke in behalf of the consistory and congregation, welcoming him in our midst and hoping the Lord may prosper him in his labors and that it could be according to Psalm 31, verse 14, “But I trusted in Thee, O Lord,” and that the Lord may show evidences of this. He also spoke a few words to the congregation, that it is not, in the first place, that they do not put the minister to shame, but that they would not put the Lord to shame by leaving their places empty, for it is the Lord that has filled this pulpit. May the pews be filled with lost sinners. He also spoke a word of thanks to Rev. Den Hoed, as our moderator, for all the labors that he so faithfully performed during our vacancy. He asked, in closing, that the congregation stand and sing from Psalter 112, stanzas 2, 3, and 4.

Rev. Hofman closed with the benediction, after thanking them all for their kind words.

—JVV

ANNOUNCEMENT

TRINITARIAN BIBLE SOCIETY

Among the membership of our congregations, the activities and purposes of the Trinitarian Bible Society are not as well understood or supported as they might be. It is hoped that the following discussion will help to stir up more interest, prayer, and support for this effort.

Probably everyone is aware that the TBS prints Bibles. In English they print only the Authorized King James version. Perhaps you have even seen one of their magazines. These tell of Bibles shipped to foreign lands. In their magazines you also find criticism of other Bible translations. Perhaps we then put it aside with the thought that this Society only justifies its existence by attacking others. If this were their motive, they would be no different from so many causes which clamor for our attention, without deserving it.

The purposes of the Trinitarian Bible Society are: 1. To translate the Bible and supporting material into all languages for other cultures which either have no Bible as yet, or which have only copies translated in today’s free-thinking spirit. For the Word and work of God to be faithfully portrayed, translations must present God in all his attributes, and man by nature an enemy of these. That is the way the originals were written, the way our Dutch and English Bibles have come to us, and the way the saints have experienced it. We may pray that the translators of the TBS, unlike more well-known translating societies, may work by this same spiritual light.

2. To publish and print Bibles and related material in all these languages with as little cost as possible.

3. To distribute what they publish as widely as possible, usually free of charge. This is made less prohibitive by the fact that in many countries, western currency can accomplish more.

4. To research erroneous translations and to present their findings, thus creating awareness.

Thus it becomes evident that the Trinitarian Bible Society is not to be compared to a commercial publishing firm, but rather is a non-profit mission organization. It centers on the printed, rather than the preached, Word. Nor does it have the social aspects of local missions as we have come to know them. The TBS lacks this follow-up, endeavoring to entrust that completely to the grace and providence of God. On the other hand, the distribution network has become quite universal in its impact, reaching even behind the Iron Curtain.

The work of the TBS involves great sums of money, both for continuous translation and for the numerous Bibles distributed. Yet the Society must get its money to operate from people who already have the Word of God and cherish it, since they do not get it as a result of their work. Appeals must be made to those not in direct need of the services of TBS in order to make their services available where it is needed.

Local auxiliaries are set up to promote this need. Their task is neither evangelism nor bookselling for its own sake. Their purpose is to raise awareness of TBS, raise money for TBS, and forward it to them. No secular means of fundraising are approved. Auxiliaries concentrate on the following:

1. Fostering awareness of and love for the King James version, and by transference, to instill in more people a desire to make available to more people similar purity in numerous languages.

2. Direct reporting of the successes and trials of TBS worldwide, conveying an impression of the sacrifices made by some, and of the providences of God. This encourages prayer activity.

3. Holding special, well-publicized meetings from time to time with different guest speakers, usually sympathetic pastors.

While laying this groundwork, money can be raised by:

1. Selling memberships.

2. Holding collections at meetings and encouraging the holding of collections in churches.

3. Accepting donations.

4. Selling King James Bibles. No slight is intended to any commercial bookseller, but this is the single saleable commodity the Society has. On this it hopes that people who wish to support their mission work, will choose to allow the TBS to make the profit.

As with any mission work, the auxiliary serves as that necessary link between us and a distant field of operation. This link is especially essential in communicating the workers’s prayer needs to the supporters.

For further information, or to become a member ($5 annual donation), write:

The Trinitarian Bible Society

Rev. Robert Baker, Secretary

39 Caldwell Crescent

Brampton, Ontario L6W 1A2

May God bless the efforts of TBS and enable us to assist them.

—AS

There can be no evangelical sense of sin, and humiliation, when there is no union to Christ. The sense of sin in itself and in its own nature, is not availing. Christ is the only rest of our souls. In any thing, for any thing, for any end or purpose, to take up short of Him is to lose it.... Indeed, pressing after forgiveness is the very life and power of evangelical humiliation ...It is the soul’s application unto God for forgiveness, and not its sense of sin, that gives to God the glory of His grace.

—John Owen

CURRENT EVENTS

ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED

Preschool Child Tax Credit Reform

HR 3944 and S 2187 were recently introduced to the House and Senate respectively. These bills would amend the IRS Gode of 1986 to allow a refundable tax credit to parents for children who have not yet reached compulsory school age. Before, a tax credit could be taken for child care needs only when both parents worked. Now the proposed change would allow all families that meet certain economic criteria to take advantage of the credit. The reader may consider asking his or her Senators and Congressman to support this legislation. It is heartening that some lawmakers are supportive of those desiring to live a traditional family lifestyle, when possible.

Right to Life-

Research Done With Aborted Babies

Human organs are presently being “harvested” for use by medical researchers. It is reported that, within a year, the prestigious Yale University medical school also plans to conduct such research.

Pro-life members of Congress have learned that the federal National Institutes of Health spent about $12 million on such research in Fiscal Year 1987. We ask you to consider petitioning President Reagan to issue an Executive Order banning alt further funding by NIH and other federal agencies for research utilizing organs or tissues taken from aborted babies. Letters can be addressed to: President Ronald Reagan, The White House, Washington, D.C. 20500

Further, it is recommended that you write your congressional representatives urging them to oppose NIH funding of both transplantation of the organs or tissues of babies killed by deliberate abortion and the use of living unborn children as test objects for harmful or painful medical experiments. It will be of interest to know that Missouri has now become the first state in the nation to ban the commercial use of tissues and organs taken from babies killed by induced abortions and forbids doctors from aborting women who conceived their children for the purpose of “harvesting” their babies’ tissues and organs.

INFORMATION

School-based Health Clinics

In the April 17, 1988 Family Research Council of America publication, is the following: “A study sponsored by the Center for Population Options (CPO), a major proponent of school-based health clinics, has found that dispensing contraceptives to high school students has ‘no measurable impact’ on teen pregnancy rates...A prior study found similar results with respect to sex education.” Ironically, the CPO, Planned Parenthood, and others, plan to continue to push for such clinics.

Sadly, in a related note, Iowa and Kentucky have joined with eight other states in mandating that public schools provide comprehensive, system-wide sex education programs. All this should further our dedication to building our own educational system and incite us to pray for the millions of youngsters daily subjected to the deceits of public school education.

Communism

Since 1952, the Communist Party of America has always put forth its own candidate for President. This election year, they chose rather to support one of the candidates already running—so compatible were the goals shared by both. This note is inserted only to stir us up to the realization that the evil of communism is making great inroads in our national affairs with dangerous speed. In a sad addition, during the recent Senate debate on the INF missile treaty, the Senate rejected an amendment that would ask the President to certify that the U.S.S.R. is honoring five past arms control treaties. “Grant, Lord, that our leaders may rely on Thee when dealing with those who regard not Thee.”

The American Home

Statistics of 1987 reveal that although the number of American families increased, the size of the average family continued to decrease (since the 1940’s). The average household size, parents and children included, is presently 2.64 persons per family. Is this a judgment against our national immorality, infidelity, and departure from God? Or is it more evidence that man is increasingly rejecting the Word of God which says, “Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward” (Ps. 127:3). May God ground us, as families, on biblical principles.

The Right to Die?

The initiative to sanction doctor-assisted suicide in California has failed for 1988. The “Humane and Dignified Death Act” will not be on the November ballot because the Hemlock Society was able to gather only about 200,000 of the 372,000 signatures needed for the referendum to be placed on the ballot during the general election. But Hemlock Society founder Derek Humphry vowed to come back “stronger, better financed, and more organized in 1990.” Pray that such initiatives be overturned by God’s merciful hand, that we be prevented from destroying ourselves and, in so doing, offending our Maker in whose image we were created.

A History Lesson-Democracy or Republic

The historian Alexis De Tocquiville once warned us: “If ever the free institutions of America are destroyed, that event will arise from the unlimited tyranny of the majority.”

The U.S. is a republic, not a democracy. It is a nation meant by its Constitution to be governed by laws, not by the whim of the masses (the latter being a democracy). May God, however, grant that our laws be written after the pattern of His, and that our lawmakers and implementers see themselves as mere servants of the great King (Rom 13:1–4). China’s One Couple-One Child Policy

In the June 11 Human Events, it is reported that the State Department has denied asylum to Dr. Quan Li and his wife Ping Hong, who consequently now await deportation proceedings. The husband, sent by China in 1981 to secure a doctorate in the U.S., was joined by his wife and seven-year-old son three years ago. The wife became pregnant and the couple wrote to the factory where he was employed asking for an exemption from the stated government policy of one child per family. The birth control officer not only denied such permission but sent a series of threatening letters to the couple, in addition to threatening the wife’s mother in China, which threats would be carried out if the child wouldn’t be aborted. In China, abortions must take place, even up to the time of birth, involving all but the first child. If a couple refuses, stiff penalties, harrassment, loss of work and government help, are all possible results. Please try to pray for those living and governing in such circumstances. The untold human suffering must be tremendous. May the Lord overturn such “counsels of Ahithophel.”

Selective Abortion of Multiple Fetuses

Doctors at a New York medical center say they are using a surgical technique to reduce the number of fetuses in the wombs of pregnant women. The technique, known as selective reduction, is being developed when more and more women face the prospect of multiple births, a result of the growing popularity of fertility drugs and test-tube babies.

The physicians, from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, report in The New England Journal of Medicine that they have performed selective abortions in a dozen cases where women were pregnant with between three and six fetuses. In each case, doctors tried to reduce the number to two or three. In four of the twelve pregnancies, the women lost all of their babies even after selective abortion. In another case, a woman with six fetuses had that number reduced to two, yet only one survived.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Gives Tax Breaks for Abortion, Birth Control

If above a certain minimum percentage of adjusted gross income (like other medical expenses for those who itemize), the IRS will allow tax deductions for legal abortions, the birth control pill and other contraceptive devices, and for sterilization procedures. Tax incentives for murder, among other things. Lord, in wrath remember mercy (Hab. 3:2).

—DL/RVS

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