NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Declined

By Rev. J. den Hoed of Rock Valley, Iowa to the Covell Avenue, Grand Rapids, Michigan congregation.

By Rev. A. Moerkerken of Gouda, the Netherlands to the Clifton, New Jersey congregation.

By Rev. C.A. Van Dieren of Stolwijk, the Netherlands to the Lethbridge, Alberta, congregation.

By Rev. C. Vogelaar of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey to the Capelle a/d Ijssel, the Netherlands, congregation.

REV. AND MRS. L. KIEBOOM

In recent weeks, both Rev. and Mrs. L. Kieboom were in the hospital. Rev. Kieboom is temporarily recuperating in a nursing home. Mrs. Kieboom underwent hip surgery and is doing well thus far.

May the Lord remember them and their family in His tender mercy, sanctifying these trials unto good.

— JRB

SERVICES IN BRADENTON

(Correction)

Last month’s Banner of Truth stated that Sunday services would be held (10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.), the Lord willing, at the Bradenton Academy, 6210 17th Ave. West, Bradenton, Florida, commencing November 3, 1991 through Apri 19, 1992, except for December 22 and 29. We have since learned that services will be held also on December 22 and 29.

Our apologies for this error.

— JRB

SYNOPSIS OF MINUTES OF CLASSIS EAST

Held on October 16, 1991 at St. Catharines, Ontario

The prayer service for Classis East was conducted by Rev. C. Vogelaar in the St. Catharines church on October 15, 1991. His text for this occasion was Psalm 80:14-15 and dealt with the church of God. His points were: (1) the need which is expressed; (2) the visit that is requested; (3) the ground upon which we plead.

ARTICLE I — OPENING

On Wednesday morning the Classis convened at 9:00 a.m. On behalf of the calling church of Bradford, Rev. J. Spaans opened our gathering with the singing of Psalter 367:1, 3, 5, the reading of Ruth 2, and led in prayer.

After welcoming the delegates and friends, Rev. Spaans remembered the following matters which had occurred since our last meeting: (1) the illnesses of Elder G. Van Leeuwen and Elder Dr. R. Johnson; (2) the passing away of Elder J. Slingerland’s wife; (3) the infirmities of the ministerial widows, Mrs. Vergunst and Mrs. Lamain; and (4) Rev. and Mrs. Vogelaar’s 25th wedding anniversary.

Rev. Spaans addressed the Classis briefly on Ruth 2:10 asking when we may last personally experience that we may fall on our face before the Lord. God’s true people long for this. Only grace can cause us to fall on our face before the Lord and confess with Ruth that we deserve nothing. After these words, the meeting was declared open.

ARTICLE II — CREDENTIALS

Credentials were examined and approved as follows:

Bradford Elder B. Brouwer

Deacon J. Van den Brink

Clifton Elder M. Dekker

Elder L. Rose

Franklin Lakes Rev. C. Vogelaar

Elder J. Willekes

Grand Rapids

(Covell) Elder B. Densel III

Elder M. Blom

Grand Rapids

(Crescent) Dr. J. R. Beeke

Elder J. Bazen

Hamilton Elder N. Koppelaar

Elder T. Verhey

Kalamazoo Elder G. Moerdyk

Elder J. Vergunst

Norwich Rev. J. Spaans

Elder M. Heerschap

St. Catharines Elder L. Nieuwenhuyzen

Elder J. Slingerland

Unionville Elder P. J. Zekveld

Elder R. Coates

The deacon was granted the right to vote.

ARTICLE III — OFFICERS

President — Rev. J. Spaans (by rotation)

Vice President — Dr. J. R. Beeke (by rotation)

Clerk — Elder J. Beeke (by appointment)

Treasurer — Elder T. Verhey (by appointment)

ARTICLE IV — MINUTES

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without correction.

ARTICLE V — CORRESPONDENCE

The clerk reported that no correspondence was received since our last meeting.

ARTICLE VI — REPORTS

1. Rev. Spaans gave a report on the historic moment which transpired on the previous Sabbath (October 13, 1991) when the first church service may be held in Loma Alta, Bolivia. May the Lord remember in mercy our missionary, Rev. P. L. Bazen, and the mission team, and add His blessing upon their labors.

2. Dr. Beeke informed the delegates that John Vreugdenhil’s 3-volume Church History was completed and would be arriving in the various congregations shortly. All congregations should have received their copies of Vreugdenhil’s 3-volume Bible History. The final preordered volume, Rev. Kersten’s Heidelberg Catechism, should be available by our next classical gathering in the spring. May the Lord crown these volumes with His blessing.

3. A satisfactory church visitation report was read with regard to the Kalamazoo, Michigan congregation.

ARTICLE VII — INSTRUCTIONS

Bradford

Our consistory does not agree with all the letter writing that went on but agreed to ask whether this Classis does not consider it necessary, for the sake of brotherly love and unity within the denomination, to check into the many concerns and allegations made from various quarters that the Curatorium in the latest decisions made (as stated in its letter of June 28, received by our consistory also) has not acted within its mandate nor according to Church Order regulations.

(1) With regard to letter writing, the following statement was drafted and unanimously approved by Classis:

Classis East wishes to unanimously express its opposition to all letter writing that is unbiblical, that is, which does not follow proper ecclesiastical channels. Unbiblical letter writing violates proper church protocol for dealing with grievances and tends to promote disunity. Classis wishes to instruct both consistories and members that letters of concern about church matters should be written to a member’s own consistory and/or to committee members dealing with this concern, not to other consistories or individuals. Letters to a member’s own consistory are preferable since committees are not obligated to answer individual letters. Moreover, if an individual writing a letter of concern to his consistory does not receive a satisfactory answer, he still may not spread letters unlawfully, but may then prayerfully follow only ecclesiastical channels, namely, to let his consistory know that he wishes to appeal his concern to his own Classis and, if necessary, to Synod.

(2) With regard to the remainder of Bradford’s point, Classis decided to forward this to Synod.

Clifton

1. Clifton consistory asks the Classis for clarification regarding the appointment of theological school instructors. The recent letter from the Curatorium Clerk states that the Curatorium reorganized the instructors to include one full time instructor and one alternate. It is the understanding of the Clifton consistory that the Synod is the denominational body having authority with respect to appointment of instructors.

This question will be dealt with at Synod with regard to part two of Bradford’s point (see above) and point three of Kalamazoo (see below).

2. Clifton consistory asks the Classis to request that the Synod appoint a special committee to investigate the allegations contained in the various letters circulating in the denomination regarding the June 25 and 26 Curatorium meeting.

Since being informed that these matters will be examined by Synod, the Clifton consistory wishes to withdraw this point

Franklin Lakes

The Franklin Lakes consistory requests Classis to seek an early meeting of Synod to resolve, the Lord willing, denominational concerns.

A lengthy discussion on this point revolved largely around the difficulties and expenses involved in having an early or a special synodical meeting. The chairman pointed out the additional difficulty that Classis Midwest is not having a fall meeting and thus it would be difficult for them to call a special meeting in order to vote for delegates for Synod. Finally, a vote taken between an early meeting in January of 1992 or waiting until June of 1992 when the regular meeting is scheduled resulted in a majority favoring addressing the above concerns at the regularly scheduled date in June.

Grand Rapids (Crescent St.)

1. Under the leadership of the vice-president, elder James Bazen, our consistory requests that Classis convene as soon as possible to request an early meeting of Synod in order that Synod may address the decisions made by the Curatorium effecting the release of a synodically appointed theological instructor and the appointment of another without synodical approval relative to limitations of such synodical committees as set forth in our Church Order, particularly Article 49.

This point will be covered by Synod in relation to part two of Bradford’s point (see above).

2. Also, that Classis consider asking Synod to adopt a set of guidelines for the Curatorium similar to those in use in the Netherlands.

This point will be forwarded to Synod under the wording of Kalamazoo’s third point (see below).

Kalamazoo

1. It is our view that the letter writing process now underway amongst our denomination is unbiblical and wrong. Letters are being distributed which we believe to be in violation of proper church protocol for dealing with grievances. These letters undermine the Curatorium and the office of the ministry and contain personal and uncharitable attacks on God’s servants. The manner in which these letters are being passed around is fostering disunity within the denomination. We urge Classis to act promptly and decisively to put a halt to this unscriptural and unfortunate situation.

This point was taken together with part one of Bradford’s point (see above).

2. It is requested that Classis request of the next Synod that they review the decisions made by the Curatorium at their meeting of June 25 and 26, 1991.

See part two of Bradford’s point above.

3. It is requested that Classis request of the next Synod that they provide a complete mandate for the Curatorium of our denomination in North America.

This point will be forwarded to Synod in combination with part two of Bradford’s point above. (It was also suggested that Synod consider providing some guidelines for other denominational committees that do not already have them.)

Norwich

1. Norwich asks that all consistories be instructed not to accept any letters written by members of another congregation concerning denominational matters. That any such letters be sent back to the individual member, with a note, that they must go to his, or her, own consistory, which was duly elected by the church to act on his, or her, behalf.

See part one of Bradford’s point above.

2. That this decision be made public.

Part one of Bradford’s point will be included in The Banner of Truth in the regular synopsis provided of classical meetings.

Unionville

Our point of concern: The dismissal of one of the Theological School instructors and the appointing of one to be available to instruct our students if the primary instructor is unable. The consistory of Unionville would like clarification on the matter that the Curatorium has made this decision which should have been brought to the Synod for consideration and subsequent decision.

The chairman stated that this matter will be brought to Synod for consideration and subsequent decision. (See also part two of Bradford’s point above and point three from Kalamazoo.)

ARTICLE VIII — MODERATORSHIPS

The moderatorships remained the same.

ARTICLE IX — ELECTION OF SYNODICAL DELEGATES

In addition to the three ministers of Classis, seven additional elders had to be elected to attend the next Synod. (Voting took place now rather than in the spring since Classis Far West, which meets next week, also has the matter of calling for an early Synod on their agenda.) Listed alphabetically, the seven elected elders include: John Beeke, Sr.; Nick Greendyk; Matt Heerschap; Dr. Robert Johnson; Garret Moerdyk; Lane Nieuwenhuyzen; and Ted Verhey. The first three alternates include elders John Vergunst; John Beeke, Jr.; and Lambert Rose.

[Classis then broke for lunch. Dr. Beeke asked a blessing, also remembering Rev. Spaans’s twenty-five years of service on the Mission Board. After lunch, Elder Nieuwenhuyzen read a portion of Scripture and asked a blessing.]

ARTICLE X — CUSTOMARY QUESTIONING

Clifton

The Clifton consistory wished to have ministers emphasize more fully in their preaching or in written articles of The Banner of Truth that church members are obligated to attend the congregation’s Sunday evening services. This matter was agreed upon.

Franklin Lakes

The Franklin Lakes consistory expressed concern that ministerial widows may not be receiving sufficient funding.

On behalf of the Kalamazoo consistory, Elder Moerdyk provided a satisfactory answer to this matter. Classis was reminded not to forget our ministerial widows who have given such a large portion of their lives to the service of the Lord.

Grand Rapids

(1) Would it be possible, for tax purposes, to request all denominational committees to furnish receipts for gifts received?

This point will be forwarded to Synod.

(2) Would it be possible for Synod to appoint a study committee on VCRs in order to provide some guidelines for consistories and the congregations?

This point will be forwarded to Synod.

Hamilton

Why are teachers of our theological school not on the Curatorium with respect to voting on the acceptance of new students?

The chairman explained why this is not advisable.

Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo consistory asked for a discussion on how to minister to those suffering from miscarriages, particularly on whether or not funeral or graveside services should be held.

It was emphasized that pastoral compassion should be shown to couples who suffered such a loss by both ministers and elders. With regard to funeral services, this should be left up to the couple and the family involved.

St. Catharines

Could an update be provided regarding our application to the Canadian government for extablishing principal-agent agreements to handle distribution of funds outside of Canada for causes which are considered by the Canadian government as unqualified donees? This matter is of utmost importance as there is presently a total of $21,106 being held in our trust account awaiting distribution. This amount has been accumulated over a three-year period in anticipation of principal-agent agreement approval whereby receipts can be issued to individual donors.

Elder Verhey stressed that the committee was still working on this matter together with the Legal Committee, but that a final resolution was still some time in the future.

ARTICLE XI — EXPENSES

The expenses of this Classis meeting were $2,653 in Canadian funds and were prorated as is customary.

ARTICLE XII — CALLING CHURCH

Clifton will be the calling church for the next Classis to be held, the Lord willing, in Franklin Lakes on April 8, 1992. (No fall date for 1992 was set since the spring Classis meeting always takes place whether there are points forthcoming or not.) Dr. Beeke will lead the prayer service the preceding evening commencing at 7:30 p.m.

ARTICLE XIII — CLOSING

The chairman made a few closing remarks from Ruth 2 and stressed that we may be given an inner chamber. He then asked the elder of the calling church, Bradford, to close the meeting. After singing Psalter 348:4-6, Elder Brouwer closed the meeting with prayer.

— Elder J. Beeke, Clerk

ANNIVERSARIES

On October 13, 1991, our dear parents and grandparents

Mr. & Mrs. John Vander Wiele

have commemorated their 35th wedding anniversary.

267 Madison Ave., Clifton, NJ 07011

“For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.”— Psalm 100:5

The Lord willing, on November 16, 1991,

we hope to commemorate the 35th anniversary of our dear parents and grandparents

Mr. & Mrs. Marinus Van Grouw

“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 May the Lord bless them with His all sufficient grace.

62 Glenwood Drive, North Haledon, NJ 07508

50th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on November 20, 1991

our beloved parents and grandparents

Mr. & Mrs. Pieter VanKempen

583 Kinney NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504

will commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary.

“For His merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth forever. Praise ye the Lord.”—Psalm 117:2

40th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on November 28, 1991,

our beloved parents,

Rev. and Mrs. John Spaans

hope to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary. PO Box 42, 47 Main St., E., Norwich, Ontario, Canada N0J 1P0

The Lord willing, on December 2, 1991,

our dear parents,

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Den Herder,

74 Maple Road, West Milford, New Jersey 07480

hope to commemorate their 30th wedding anniversary. We pray that the Lord may bless their future life.

40th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on December 5, 1991,

our beloved parents,

Mr. and Mrs. Cornie Blom,

hope to commemorate their 40th wedding anniversary. R.R., Corsica, South Dakota 57328.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Your heartfelt and personal expressions of sympathy in regard to the unexpected decease of my very beloved husband, and our beloved father and grandfather,

Arie Elshout

(Pastor of the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Scheveningen)

have touched us deeply. In absorbing this painful loss, it has been encouraging for us to experience your sympathy in this manner.

Since it is impossible for us to respond personally to everyone, we hereby wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all.

Mrs. Elfriede Elshout (nee Melzian),

Children, and Grandchildren

OBITUARIES

VANDER BROEK, Marinus — Age 74; September 20, 1991; Rock Valley, Iowa; Brothers — Gerrit, Jerry, Cornie; Half-brother — Jake Van Kampen; Sister — Mrs. Anna Baker. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Romans 6:23.)

NOORDYKE, Gertrude — Age 92; September 29, 1991; Grand Rapids, MI; Widow of Homer Noordyke; Sons— Robert, Homer; Daughter — Marilyn (Mrs. Bernard Poelman); 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great, great-grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed, Rom. 6:23.)

ANTHONY, Arthur — Age 66; October 10, 1991; Grand Rapids, MI; Wife — Betty; Daughters — Janice (Mrs. George Ellison), Nancee (Mrs. John DeVogel); Son — Richard; Sister — Wilma (Mrs. Harmon Geister); Brothers — Wayne, Don; 7 grandchildren; 1 greatgrandchild. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, 2 Sam. 14:14.)

VAN ORT, Floyd — Age 93; October 13, 1991; Thornton, Ill.; Wife — Johanna; Son — John; Daughter — Donna (Mrs. Robert Ives), Ruth (Mrs. Jack Brown); 3 sisters; 8 grandchildren; 7 great- grandchildren. (Student J. Greendyk, John 11:25-26.)

HUISMAN, Tony — Age 82; October 17, 1991; Chilliwack, B.C.; Wife — Lyntje; Sons — Jan, Lynn, Bill, Ben; 12 grandchildren. (Rev. H. Hofman, Ps. 90:12.)

VANDERSTEL, Dina — Age 73; October 21, 1991; Grand Rapids, MI; Brother — Chris VanderStel; Sisters — Cora (Mrs. John Slabbekoom), Minnie Ohlman, Christine (Mrs. Anthony Karel), Maude Kik, Joan (Mrs. Kenneth Wolbers). (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Eccl. 12:5b.)

BARENTS, Anna — Age 94; October 25, 1991; Grand Rapids, MI; Son — Henry; Sisters — Nellie Ampersee, Johanna De Fouw; 7 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren. (Dr. J.R. Beeke, Hebr. 13:5b.)

IN MEMORIAM

— ELDER M. PRONK

The Funeral of Rev. Arie Elshout on August 17, 1991

Since the seating capacity in Scheveningen was inadequate, the funeral service was conducted in the sanctuary of Zoetermeer (the congregation Rev. A. Elshout served prior to Scheveningen from 1982-1987) which had been made available by the local consistory for this purpose. The moderator of Scheveningen, Rev. D. Rietdijk, officiated in this funeral service. He opened with the singing of Psalm 68:2 (Psalter 420:2), the reading of Revelation 21:1-7, and prayer.

Rev. Rietdijk then proceeded to read a letter from Rev. Beeke from Grand Rapids on behalf of the congregations and ministers of North America, after which he gave the following persons an opportunity to speak: Rev. van Eckeveld as chairman of the Mission Board, Rev. Iziogo on behalf of the Nigerian Reformed Church, and elder Pronk on behalf of the consistory and congregation of Scheveningen.

Rev. Van Eckeveld commemorated how closely Rev. Elshout had been associated with the work of the mission. From 1959 to 1967 he was a member of the Mission Board and served as treasurer. As a Mission Board member he made his first journey to Nigeria in 1965. In the year 1979-1980 he personally engaged in mission work for nearly one year, and also now he was found willing to assist the local mission team with his counsel. On August 10, however, the Lord spoke and said, “It is enough.” Rev. Van Eckeveld recounted how the deceased minister once told him that it continued to be a wonder to him that the Lord had sought after him in his youth and that he had been privileged to preach God’s Word on five different continents.

Rev. Iziogo began by reading Psalm 121. He commemorated the fact that Rev. Elshout, eleven years ago, had labored in Izi as its first missionary minister, and how a mutual bond had remained intact since then. The day prior to his death, Rev. Elshout had visited him, sharing with him that he had said farewell to his wife and children with the words of Romans 14:8, “Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Rev. Iziogo stated, “It was love for the church in Izi which caused Rev. Elshout to come to us. Now he has been taken up to praise His heavenly Father forever, and that is the best service there is.”

Elder Pronk spoke of the unfathomableness of the ways of the Lord. Rev. Elshout was called to Izi, and there, for him, on the mission field, believing was transformed into beholding. For nearly ten years Rev. Elshout was privileged to serve the congregation of Scheveningen: for the first time from December, 1961, until May, 1967; and presently since April 8, 1987, when he preached his inaugural sermon from 2 Peter 1:13, “Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance.” Rev. Elshout endeavored to be faithful to this commission from His Master. Elder Pronk concluded by saying that we shall now be held accountable for this, after which he asked the congregation to sing Psalm 73:12 (Psalter 439:3).

Rev. Rietdijk then spoke about the words, “...and he was not; for God took him” (Gen. 5:24). It was, according to Rev. Rietdijk, a shocking experience in the days of Enoch: “He was not.” Suddenly, without bidding farewell, he was taken away by the Lord. In Hebrews 11 it is said about Enoch that he was not found. This means that they have searched for him, that is, they who felt a bond with him due to his godly walk.

The Lord, at His time, has likewise removed Rev. Elshout from our lives: from his family and relatives; from the congregation of Scheveningen; but also from the larger circle of our congregations and from the many tasks he was privileged to perform on behalf of the mission, youthwork, the Reformed Psychiatric Hospital, etc. His testimony was one of uprightness in both word and deed. Christ, who placed the garments of the office upon his shoulders thirty-six years ago, removed them again on August 10.

Rev. Elshout was eighteen years old when the Lord used the simple word of an elder at house visitation to arrest him. At the age of twenty-eight he was admitted to the theological school, and since 1955 he was privileged to preach the Word of God. Rev. Elshout has now come home. He left home to go home.

Rev. Rietdijk concluded by speaking words of comfort to the widow, the children, and the congregation of Scheveningen, while exhorting his audience to seek the Lord while He is to be found and to call upon Him while He is near, “before the day pass as the chaff” (Zeph. 2:2). After closing with prayer, Rev. Rietdijk asked the congregation to sing Psalm 43:3 (Psalter 417:2).

At the cemetery, Oud Eik en Duinen in The Hague, where an exceptionally large number of people had gathered, Rev. C. Harinck spoke on behalf of the ministers of the Netherlands Reformed congregations (Gereformeerde Gemeenten) and as a friend of the deceased minister.

Rev. Harinck spoke as follows: “The sudden death of Rev. Elshout has become for him sudden glory. This we may know not only from his personal testimony and from the fruits of his faith, consisting in humility and uprightness, but above all from the Word of God where Christ testifies, ‘He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.’ The life of this deceased brother must be viewed in light of what we read in 2 Corinthians 1:4, ‘Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ During our mutual residence in America I became intimately acquainted with Rev. Elshout — also in his tribulation, strife, and temptations. Later on he was privileged to perceive God’s wisdom in all this. By way of the comfort wherewith he was comforted of God in his tribulation, he was able to comfort others, both in speaking as well as by means of his two books entitled, A Helping Hand. This comfort he was enabled to derive from the blood of Christ. He could not cease to magnify the efficacy and value of that blood.”

Rev. Harinck then spoke a personal word to Mrs. Elshout and the children whom he exhorted to seek the God of their father. He also addressed the grandchildren from the Netherlands as well as from America, addressing the latter in English, and spoke to the remaining relatives and the congregation of Scheveningen.

The final speaker was Mr. B. Elshout, the oldest son of the deceased minister, who expressed a word of thanks to Rev. Rietdijk, also to those who spoke at the funeral service, and to Rev. C. Harinck, whom he thanked for the friendship he had shown during his father’s time of trial in America. Relative to this he remarked that it was during this period that in the sanctuary of the Franklin Lakes congregation his father was assaulted by Satan who whispered, “You are not a servant of God.” It was precisely in this same sanctuary that a few weeks ago he was privileged, with much liberty, to bring God’s Word for the last time in America.

He also expressed gratitude to the mission team of Izi for the loving manner in which they had cared for the bodily remains of his father, to the Mission Board and the employees of the Mission Office for their support, and to the consistory and custodian of Zoetermeer for the availability of their sanctuary.

He concluded by sharing what his father had said to him a few weeks before in America: “I have needed an entire lifetime to learn that salvation is outside of myself in the Mediator of the Covenant, and upon that pillow I hope to rest my head some day.” Suddenly and unexpectedly this wish of his father had been fulfilled. He then asked all who were present to sing Psalm 72:11 (Psalter 197:2), “And blessed be His glorious Name to all eternity.”

Elder M. Pronk is an elder in the Gereformeerde Gemeente of Scheveningen, the Netherlands — Rev. Elshout’s last pastorate. This article was translated from De Saambinder.

MISSION NEWS

— REV. P.L. BAZEN

Missionary Letter From Bolivia

The following article by our missionary minister, Rev. Peter L Bazen, was originally written for insertion in the bulletin of his sending church of Grand Rapids. Due to the important material contained in this letter as to how the mission team feels led to labor in Loma Alta, Bolivia, we thought to reprint it here for the benefit of our Banner of Truth readers.

October 6, 1991

Dear congregation,

It has already been four months since we wrote to you and much has transpired in the interim. As you gather around the precious Word of God on this Sabbath day may you prayerfully consider the privilege and responsibility of having God’s Word in your midst. Many people do not have this privilege as we observe in this country day after day. Pray for a Sabbath day’s blessing in your midst and also for us who are far away on the mission field in Bolivia.

Congregation, from my heart to your heart I desire to speak to you. I wish to write, with God’s help and to His glory, something of the leadings of the Lord during the last three months.

On June 5 we took a one-day trip from Santa Cruz to Valley Grande in a four-seater plane to get an idea of the Valley Grande area. This trip went well. A missionary from the area met us and gave us much information. The country was very mountainous, rugged, and difficult to travel. The air was clear with low humidity. It would be a pleasant place to live.

On July 12 we went with the same plane to an area farther south, to a village called Padilla. This village of 5000 people has great needs and the pastor of a small church of forty people begged us to return and help since he is the only pastor of the village. On this trip the Lord graciously spared our lives. The pilot circled the landing strip and it all looked good. He then thought it best to fly over the landing strip before landing since he had never landed there before. All looked good. The third time he said we would land, but when we came into the final stage of landing, the plane suddenly jerked but it continued and we landed safely. Many people were on the airstrip since it is seldom that a plane comes in. They looked at us and said, “You should all be dead.” The plane had hit the ground wire of a high-tension line and broke it. Four feet above this ground line was a 14,000-volt electrical high-tension wire. The pilot had not seen the wires as he came in for the landing. The Lord miraculously saved our lives. We saw that this also had an impression on the townspeople.

One week later we made a trip with our new vehicle to the Valley Grande area. We visited many villages, talked to several people, saw the poverty of their lives, drank some of their homemade juice and ate with them. It was a new experience which left deep impressions on the whole team. How sad to see the people in village after village worshipping images, living in superstition and having no knowledge of the true Word of God.

Wednesday night, after a long, difficult day of visiting and dangerous mountain driving, we returned to our hotel for the evening. My mind and heart were filled with the needs of these areas and the sad condition of the people living without the Word of God and having no hope for eternity. Before retiring for the evening the team came together for evening devotions. I opened the Bible and read Psalm 27. As I read this chapter, especially the last verse made a deep impression on my heart, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” These words gave me much comfort and encouragement but no clear direction at the time. I was given to wait upon the Lord, leaving all the matters in God’s hand, knowing that it is God’s work and His cause. The Lord gave a special opening in prayer and for a moment we all were melted in the dust.

I rested for some time and awoke in the night and began meditating on the point that God may be glorified and that sinners may be saved. The faithful God who knows the heart and secrets within came once again to my soul with the words found in Judges 6:14, “Go in this thy might...have not I sent thee?” I meditated on these words for some time and began to read this chapter using my flashlight since there is no electricity at night in this town, and verse 16, “Surely I will be with thee,” together with verse 14 gave me such a hope that with the Lord we can go wherever He calls. I still did not know exactly what place or village the Lord would lead us to but was given to wait upon the Lord.

The following weeks the team made several trips to the north of Santa Cruz. We saw so many villages with great needs and many of the mayors of these places asked and even begged us to return. After several weeks of visiting village after village two different villages seemed to make an impression on the team, Loma Alta and Saavedra, which also has many adjoining communities. Often we laid the needs before the Lord and asked for direction and clarity as to what place we must go. Time and again I thought of the village of Pucara which is in the mountains where the temperature is lower, the air is clearer, less humidity, and where one mission organization recommended we go. The villages of Loma Alta and Saavedra are hot, humid, dusty, with many mosquitos. Once again we must learn that the Lord says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” The team made many trips to further investigate these two areas because something about them kept drawing us there. The mayors of both of these areas requested us to come but we continued to make it a matter of prayer and thus we continued to wait for God’s guidance.

The week before Rev. Spaans, Rev. den Hoed and Mr. John Van-Brugge came to Bolivia it was clearly renewed in my soul the direction we had to go. The Lord came back to His own Word out of Judges 6:14 when I was considering the needs of Loma Alta, “Go in this thy might...have not I sent thee?” The following Monday morning at our opening meeting for the week I shared with the team how I felt the Lord was clearly leading us. I asked Mr. Nijsse and Miss Stam how they felt regarding the leadings of the Lord regarding a place where we might be able to work. They both expressed that Loma Alta was bound upon their heart and that all other places became secondary. There was a unanimous feeling among the team of God’s directing hand to present to the deputies that same week.

Thursday morning, the day we were to have our meeting with the deputies of the Mission Board, it seemed as if Satan was casting doubt in my heart regarding Loma Alta to be the place in which to work. The faithful God of heaven and earth came one more time with only one word out of Judges 6:14, “Go,” and this gave peace to my soul. One word from the Lord and all the devils in hell must flee. After each member of the team expressed their feelings, the deputies unanimously agreed that Loma Alta must be the place. May the blessing and guidance of the Lord continue to be with us.

We hope in the next month to be able to move to Portachuelo, a village of 10,000 to 14,000 people. This village is forty kilometers from Loma Alta. The team will live there, the Lord willing, until Mr. Nijsse can build housing for us in Loma Alta. This week we have just completed purchasing a small house which can be converted into a church so we may begin trying to have a Sunday service. May the Lord incline the hearts of the people to come. They have shown some interest but we still do not know how it will go. Remember, the Roman Catholic Church will not sit quietly on the side because the priest will not like us to be in his area. Pray, congregation, that the Word of God may be accompanied by the Holy Spirit and that true conversions may be clearly seen.

We wish each of you God’s blessing and when you have an opportunity we would be glad to hear from you. Since the postal service in the outlying villages is very poor, we are going to keep our present mailing address in Santa Cruz. This address you will find on the back page of the Paul.

TEACHERS

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Pompton Plains, NJ, is adding a grade 11 program to its high school for the 1992-93 school year. Both elementary and secondary certified teachers are encouraged to apply — especially those with English, Business and/or Industrial Arts majors. Interested persons should contact Richard de Bel, 76 Beechwood Drive, Wayne, NJ 07470, 201- 628-9321 or J.W. Van Der Brink, Principal, 243 Garside Ave., Wayne, NJ 07470, 201-790-1565.

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Lethbridge/Ft. Macleod. Applications are still being sought for both the elementary and high school level. For more information contact the principal: Mr. A.H. Verhoef (403) 381-3030 — School; (403) 381-4434 — Home. Please send applications with references to the secretary of the school board: Mr. A.M. De Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alta., Canada T0L 1M0.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS of GrandRapids, MI are in need of a part-time (8 hours per week) instrumental music teacher for grades 5-12 for the 1991-92 school year. Qualified persons should contact the principal, Mr. Richard Ten Elshof, at 965 Plymouth Ave., NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (616) 454-9481 for further information.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Corsica SD will need a teacher for the position of grades 5-8 for the 1991-1992 school year. Certification is preferable, but not required. Anyone interested in more information or an application form please contact: Jay Ymker phone (605) 724-2221 or Darold Den Boer phone (605) 946-5661.

NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Rock Valley/Sioux Center, Iowa, invites inquiries and applications for teaching positions at the elementary and secondary levels. Call/or write Gary Bakker, (712) 439-2594, R.R. 2, Box 104A Hull, Iowa 51239; Harold Schelling, (712) 722-1131, R.R. 1, Box 54, Hull, Iowa 51239; or the school, R.R. 1, Box 269K, Rock Valley, Iowa 51247, (712) 476-2821.

MISSION NEWS

BILL AND CHERYL MOERDYK

Bill and Cheryl Moerdyk, mission workers in Nigeria, were blessed with their fourth child and first son, Samuel William, on October 21. May the Lord add His blessing and grant a second and greater miracle, namely, the new birth.

— JBR

CURRENT EVENTS

Gorbachev’s and Yeltsin’s Religious Views

Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin, prominent leaders of the Soviet Union, commented on their personal religious views in response to a Philadelphia clergyman’s question on a recent program that linked up the two leaders with live audiences in several American cities. Gorbachev said he respects the feelings and religious beliefs of all citizens and has worked to guarantee their religious freedom, but “I am personally an atheist.” Yeltsin said he respects believers and makes “a point of attending church...quite often, because during the service there’s a kind of internal feeling of moral cleansing,” even though he does not embrace the “ritual aspect.” He added, “I’m also superstitious, by the way,” prompting laughter from both Gorbachev and the Americans. May the Lord overturn the effects of years of state-promoted atheism which has left such a deep spiritual and moral chasm in the nations enslaved by communism. May He also be pleased to display His sovereign grace in the lives of prominent leaders, that they in turn might be like a renewed Manasseh for their spiritually impoverished people.

NEW BOOKS

John Vreugdenhil

God’s Care and Continuance of His Church, 3 volumes (Sioux Center, Iowa: Netherlands Reformed Publishing, 1991)

Retail — $60.00 Our Price — $33.00

In this popularly written 3-volume work, John Vreugdenhil graphically depicts God’s care for and continuance of His church from the time of Christ until the present day. Vreugdenhil’s captivating style of writing, combined with numerous illustrations, makes church history come alive for children eleven years of age and older. Highly recommended for teenagers and adults as well. This work was translated from Dutch by John Van Grouw and is made available in bound volumes for the first time. (1500 pages; hard cover)

Dr. Joel R. Beeke

Assurance of Faith: Calvin, English Puritanism, and the Dutch Second Reformation

(New York: Peter Lang, 1991) Retail — $70.80 Our Price — $28.00

“Against the backdrop of the magisterial Reformers (with special attention to Calvin), Dr. Beeke examines the theological development of personal assurance of faith from 1600-1760 in English Puritanism and its parallel movement in the Netherlands, the so-called Second Reformation. In-depth studies and comparisons of William Perkins, Willem Teellinck, the Westminster Confession, John Owen, Alexander Comrie, and Thomas Goodwin, convincingly demonstrate with fresh insights that the differences between Calvin and English/Dutch Calvinism on assurance arose primarily from a newly evolving pastoral context rather than from foundational variations in doctrine. By a careful study of the role of God’s promises, the practical and mystical syllogisms, and the witness of the Spirit, this study breaks new ground in revealing how English and Dutch Calvinism developed a biblically balanced doctrine of assurance” (back cover). This work is recommended only for readers with some knowledge of theology. (518 pages; hard cover)

Prices are in US funds. (Michigan customers only please add 4% sales tax.) Order from: Bible Truth Books, P.O. Box 2373, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003.

China Forced Population Policy Hailed by Former NOW Leader

Molly Yard, former president of National Organization for Women, and still-outspoken spokeswoman for the feminist movement, recently commented on China’s forced abortion, one-child “population control” policy, saying, “I consider the Chinese government’s policy among the most intelligent in the world.” We see more and more the devaluation of human life in the eyes of modern man. When the Lord instructed Noah about the value of a life, one could clearly see that the Lord —

the fall of man notwithstanding — still proclaimed in strong terms His will that man’s life be regarded and protected unflinchingly. One needs no additional evidence other than what can be read in the newspaper to see that man by nature is determined to destroy himself unless God restrains him.

CWA Weighs Boycott of Nutri/System

Concerned Women for America is considering a national boycott of Nutri/System, Inc., a weight loss company which funds abortion and homosexual groups. Nutri/System has given tens of thousands of dollars to Women’s Way over the past three years and is likely to continue funding the organization despite recent requests by CWA and other groups to stop.

Women’s Way, a liberal women’s organization based in Philadelphia, serves as a conduit for philanthropy to a number of private humanitarian groups. However, it also funds Planned Parenthood in Chester County, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Lesbian and Gay Task Force, and the Elizabeth Blackwell Health Center for Women, an abortion clinic in Philadelphia which performs 2,000 to 3,000 abortions a year.

For a comprehensive listing of companies supporting the abortion industry, consider writing The Christian Action Council, 101 W. Broad St., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22046. You may request information regarding: 1) why a particular corporation is listed, 2) a complete list of products, brand names, and services of the listed corporations, and 3) lists of these companies’ addresses and phone numbers. They ask that you send $1 and a long self-addressed envelope with your request

Demerit Badge

The Boy Scouts of America recently won their court battle with atheists and militant homosexuals, resisting attempts to force open the organization to accepting homosexuals as scout leaders and scout membership. However, threatened with a cutoff of $9,000 by the San Francisco area United Way, the Scouts’ national leadership created a new youth group called “Learning for Life.” This group would include openly homosexual counselors and boys, atheists, and girls. The militants are dissatisfied. They called the Scouts’ move a “second class” segregated program. Tom Ammiano, homosexual vice chairman of the San Francisco School Board, vowed to deny public school facilities to the Scouts if they continue to practice “discrimination.” “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves... And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient” (Rom. 1:24,28).

Patient Self-Determination Act

Anti-euthanasia leaders are moving to respond to living will/durable power of attorney legislation with new “protective medical decisions” document designed to deter premature termination of treatment. International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force cites the new federal Patient Self-Determination Act and “erosion of traditional medical ethics” as reasons for the policy shift. Until now, written declarations have mainly been mechanisms for halting, not ensuring, continued treatment. Booming sales of the pro-suicide book, Final Exit, are one more sign of growth in the euthanasia trend.

It might interest you to know that only one government in history has actually legalized euthanasia — the Nazi government in Germany. But it began before Hitler ever came to national prominence. In the early 1920s, influential psychiatrist, Dr. Alfred Hoche, and Judge Karl Binding, advocated that dying of physically or mentally disabled people should have the “mercy” of a painless death. Their followers in the fields of psychiatry and pediatrics killed 75% of the chronically ill in Germany. It began by killing German, non-Jewish persons suffering from serious defects and later included such minor reasons as “badly modelled ears, bedwetters, and those difficult to educate.” An estimated 275,000 persons from nursing homes, hospitals and asylums were killed. Will this forshadow future events in the U.S. and Canada?

Senate Measure to Require Abortion on Demand at Military Bases Defeated

In an encouraging development, National Right to Life News reports that pro- life forces in the U.S. Senate narrowly defeated an amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill which would have required U.S. military hospitals oversees to provide abortion services where sought

Ohio Bill Designed so Women Hear the Truth About Abortion

Gov. Voinovich is expected to sign a “breakthrough” bill which insures that women contemplating abortion be given objective and nonjudgmental scientifically accurate information about the development of the unborn child and information about agencies which provide alternatives to abortion.

— DL/RVS

RENEWAL AND GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS

Most subscriptions to The Banner of Truth expire with the December 1991 issue. To avoid missing future issues, please forward your renewal for 1992 prior to January 1. A self-addressed envelope is provided in this issue.

Costs continue to rise. Our subscription price does not fully cover incurred expenses; nevertheless, a decision has been made to retain the prescribed rate of $9.75 (U.S.) and $12.75 (Canada and foreign countries) for 1992, payable in U.S. funds. Please bear this in mind when renewing; we are hoping that donations by individuals and churches will meet the shortfall. (For subscribers outside of the North American context: air mail service remains at $29.00 per year, and $20.00 surface mail, U.S. funds. Payment by International Money Order is preferable.)

Please note that you are not obliged to respond to this notice if you receive your Banner of Truth via church payment. Nevertheless, we do have a dual request in which you may wish to assist us in sharing our periodical with others.

First, we are hoping to increase our readership substantially by means of gift subscriptions. Would it be possible for you to provide a gift subscription for one year to one or more of your friends? Opportunity is given for this purpose on the enclosed envelope.

Second, we desire donations in order to continue distributing our periodical to seminaries and pastors. It is our conviction that the distribution of orthodox, Reformed reading material is a responsible task. Particularly seminary libraries are critical places for such distribution. Should you desire to assist in this regard please check the appropriate box on the enclosed envelope, thereby earmarking your donation for this cause.

With next month’s issue another year of Banner of Truth lies behind us. We wish to take this opportunity to thank those who have expressed appreciation for various articles. Your comments have been encouraging. It is good to know that our periodical continues to be read and to fill a need. Please accept this thanks in place of a personal response. Heartfelt thanks also must be extended to those who have assisted us in providing sound and relevant reading material: our assistant editors, ministers, and elders for their timely contributions; our business manager, secretary, and those who assist with updating files and caring for mailings; our typesetters, printers, and Banner of Truth Committee. Above all, may God bless the reading of our Banner of Truth to each of you, and your families, in heart and life. We are acutely aware that God’s blessing is indispensable in this and every endeavor; hence, we solicit your prayers and support for our united cause in propagating biblical, Reformed truth. “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16a).

— JRB

Obituary notices are printed free of 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.)

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