NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS Declined

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

By Rev. W. Harinck of Kapelle-Biezelinge, The Netherlands to the Kalamazoo, Michigan congregation.

RECONVENED SYNOD/CURATORIUM

The Lord willing, the Curatorium will meet on December 8 to examine Student Vergunst and the reconvened Synod will meet on December 9. Let us all seek grace to pray that the Lord may graciously supply a spirit of peace and unity based on truth and righteousness, such that His Word may be our light and His glory our purpose to the welfare of the congregations.

— JRB

REPORT OF THE SYNOD IN THE NETHERLANDS

On the evening before the Synod Rev. A.F. Honkoop led in a prayer service. His text was Psalm 89:19b: “I have laid help upon One that is mighty.” He divided the text as follows:

The Help for Israel

1. Help for helpless people

2. Strength for powerless people

3. Grace for “rightless” people.

In an impressive way he led the service, pointing to Christ as the only hope in personal life, in the office, but also for the meeting to be held the next day, D.V.

On Wednesday morning Rev. B.A. van der Heiden opened the meeting on behalf of the calling church of Hardinxveld-Giessendam with the reading of God’s Word and prayer. In his opening word he recalled the empty places which had been made in the past three years among the ministers and office-bearers who were taken away by the cold hand of death.

He had a short meditation on Nehemiah 1, wherein the necessity to be separated from the world was emphasized. The prophet was sorrowful when he saw the condition of Israel. We have the same reason to be sad because of the world-conformity that is so great among us. Nehemiah became the man before God: “I and my father’s house have sinned.” This is a blessed place to be, because then the Lord will remember His covenant. “May we also come upon this place” was the wish of the temporary chairman.

Then the elections took place and the result was that Rev. A.F. Honkoop became president and Rev. A. Moerkerken vice president. Rev. H. Paul was chosen to be the first clerk and the treasurer was Elder Nieuwenhuis.

The Dutch newspaper, “Het Reformatorisch Dagblad,” received permission to print a report of the meeting on the condition it would first be approved by the moderamen.

Then the delegate of our churches received an opportunity to convey the greetings from our Synod. We wished them God’s indispensable blessing for their meeting. In a few words we mentioned the difficult time for our denomination and asked for their prayers. On behalf of the deputies of the foreign churches we thanked them out of the depth of our heart for the valuable support our schools have received in the past three years again, especially in a time when the economy is sliding backward.

The reports were then brought forward which would take both days and then not yet be finished. First the Curatorium was spoken about, which in the past years had admitted several students. The length of study will remain at four years. In the last two years the students are allowed to speak an edifying word. No fourth teacher can be appointed, because this would be too heavy financially.

On the question of whether there is an age limit for the teachers of the theological school, the curatorium denied this but is willing to discuss it in their meeting and come with their report of it to the next Synod. The lessons in the theological school are still expanding.

The next report regarded the course, Religious Education (Godsdienst Onderwys). This course is given in Holland for interested people. Several levels of study are possible. Lately some courses have been overhauled. At our meeting in Grand Rapids there also was interest for it, which will be discussed in December, D.V.

At this time a telegram was sent to Queen Beatrix wishing her God’s guidance in her important work as head of this nation.

In the report of the deputies with the government mention was made of careful consideration when church discipline had to be used. When this is handled according to the Church Order and God’s Word, the government will accept the decisions. Still with the new laws about equality for everyone, more and more dangers will surface. It is most likely that the judges in the near future will begin to test certain decisions which are made. The consistories should be aware of this. When a person makes an accusation or a statement before the consistory, it is necessary that he sign a written statement of the consistory. He should receive a copy. This is applicable for important matters only. This does not mean that we should dilute the wine. God’s Word is the highest authority and we may not adjust to the laws of the government.

The deputies of the foreign churches spoke in their report about the correspondence with our churches, but also with South Africa and New Zealand. From our churches they received a request concerning information about the validity of baptism by a female minister. According to the Synod of 1965 such baptism is not acceptable (Voornaamste Besluiten, 1983, page 16).

Questions arose at the meeting about our Synod and the developments in our denomination. It was decided that these matters would be discussed in a closed meeting in the evening with the delegates only.

Another important report came from the Emeritus Fund. They did not ask for an increase in the annual support by each member and baptized member.

With reference to the report of the Saambinder, the Dutch denominational church paper, a discussion arose about the advertising policy. The deputies promised to look into this matter and report back.

In the evening a closed session was held, wherein first was a request of Mr. Burgraaf to become eligible for the ministry. After serious consideration, this request could not be granted.

Then Rev. Moerkerken, on behalf of the deputies of the foreign churches, gave a report of our Synod and the decisions which were made, as far as they had been present. The delegates had a few questions which he satisfactorily answered. The Synod expressed the hope that the unity could be restored in our churches. A proposal was made and accepted to write a letter of this nature to our Synod which will be presented by Rev. Moerkerken and Rev. A.F. Honkoop, because Rev. Blok will not be able to attend our follow-up Synod as he has to go to the mission field. After this we came to the end of our first day, which was closed with prayer.

The second day of the Synod was opened by the chairman. The proposed letter for our Synod was read and approved. In this letter a strong emphasis was laid to seek unity among each other.

Then a report was given by the deputies representing all the associations going out from our denomination in the Netherlands. There are many societies, but especially the Youth Alliance received much attention. A complaint was that more and more the study of God’s Word is placed in the background and more topical subjects are requested, which are explained in the light of God’s Word. It is alarming that the knowledge of God’s Word is so minimal among our young people notwithstanding all the efforts which are made.

Another problem confronted where youth work is concerned, is that the government will not support individual churches for this, but they must work together in groups which have about the same convictions. If our church will not comply with the governmental requirements, then all support will be withheld. It was the conviction of the Synod that we must obey God rather than the government, even though it will become quite a burden for the churches.

Another problem is the spending of Saturday evenings by our young people — often in worldly establishments. A new development is the interdenominational meetings which are organized by other churches. They draw many of our young people, and in this way they come under a different doctrine which can become harmful in the long run. The delegates emphasized the necessity of supporting the youth work in the congregations. Still, it should start in the family. The parents should stay home with their families and seek for a good, responsible spending of Saturday evenings with their family. Also the ministers and officebearers should give their support, whenever it is possible, to improve the spending of Saturday evenings in our denomination.

At the end of this discussion a wire from the Queen was read, wherein she wished the Synod a good meeting.

Next, discussion took place concerning the report of the deputies caring for the people in military service, college students, and the deacons’ general fund. This last committee has some problems because the government also requires a combined effort with other denominations in their care.

The last report discussed at this Synod came from the Disaster Fund, as we call it. An elaborate report was given about all their activities. They have spent millions of guilders to help in time of need, and for disasters all over the world. Also our schools have been richly remembered. We have previously expressed our gratitude for this on behalf of our denomination.

A few committees were formed to study some problems which were on the agenda. These committees will report back on the follow-up Synod, D.V., January 13-14, 1993.

So we came to the end of a peaceful meeting. This does not mean that all delegates agreed on everything, but unity was felt in this meeting. May the blessings of the Lord rest upon the decisions made. Also the care for our churches was expressed several times. The president spoke a few fitting words and asked the American delegate to close with prayer.

—AdB

ANNIVERSARY

40th Wedding Anniversary

The Lord willing, on December 5, 1992 our beloved parents and grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Hank Van Hierden hope to commemorate their 40th Wedding Anniversary. P.O. Box 628, Fort Macleod, Alberta T0L 0Z0 Psalm 128:5

OBITUARY

TERPSTRA, Doeke Feike — Age 63; September 25, 1992; Chilliwack, B.C.; Wife —Willy; Daughters —Janet (Mrs. Corney Les), Jody Terpstra, Bernita (Mrs. Harvey Van Hierden); Son — Ron; Brothers and Sisters — Saakje Van Weringh, Pieter, Johannes, and Ebel Hofstede, Lien Vander Molen, Tera Stam, Wietse, and Rense; Mother-in-law — Mrs. Johanna van den Brink; 9 grandchildren. (Rev. H. Hofman, Ps. 42:11.)

TEACHERS

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Lethbridge/Ft. Macleod. Our school is situated between Fort Macleod and Lethbridge, Alberta, and largely serves both congregations. Presently we offer K-12 along with some special education services.

We have a special need for more elementary teachers in the coming 1992-1993 school year. Experienced teachers as well as starting teachers are invited to apply. Although our need is primarily for elementary teachers, secondary teachers are also most welcome to apply.

For more information contact the principal, Mr. A.H. Verhoef: (403) 381-3030 (school) or (403) 381-4434 (home). Please send your application to the Secretary of the Schoolboard, Mr. A.M. de Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alberta, Canada T0L 1 M0.

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Norwich. We need a full-time teacher for Gr. 7-10 starting September, 1992, D.V. Main subject areas to be taught are English, Math, Social Studies, and Religious Studies, but other subjects can be arranged. Interested teachers can obtain more information from Mr. Henry Scholten (president), (519) 468-2714, or Mr. Martien Vanderspek (principal), (519) 863-3119 (home). Applications or inquiries should be sent to Rehoboth Christian School, 43 Main St. E., P.O. Box 220, Norwich, Ont. N0J 1P0 (519) 863-2403.

The EBENEZER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, needs a full time certified teacher for the 1992-93 school year. An immediate opening is available for history and English classes ranging from 5th through 11th grades, though other subject combinations are possible. Student teachers who hope to graduate in December are also encouraged to apply, since our need for a teacher will be crucial for the second half of the school year. To express interest or for more information please contact the principal, David Lipsy, 1519 North Third Street, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081 (414) 459-9257 or contact Robert Velier, secretary, 3002 CTH V, Sheboygan, Wisconsin 53081 (414) 458-0757.

The NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, Pompton Plains, New Jersey, is in need of a grade 5 teacher for the 1992-1993 school year. An unexpected vacancy occurred so a prompt response would be appreciated. Please contact Mr. Richard De Bel, (201) 628-9321 or Mr. John Van Der Brink, Principal, (201) 790-1565.

CURRENT EVENTS

ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED

Pro-homosexual Legislation

According to an article by Concerned Women for America there are now two homosexual bills that are gathering support among lawmakers. Senator Edward Kennedy is sponsoring S.B. 574 and Rep. Barney Frank is sponsoring H.R. 1430. These bills, if passed, will establish specials laws for gays and will make homosexuality a constitutionally protected civil right. CWA is spearheading a national effort to defeat these bills. Nationwide, the homosexual network is trying to mount a counter-offensive by lobbying senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill. They see this legislation as a way to force total acceptance of their practices on the society as a whole. Michael Swift, a well-known militant gay activist declared, “All laws banning homosexual activity will be revoked. Instead, legislation shall be passed which engenders love between men. All churches who condemn us will be closed. Our only gods are handsome young men.” We do not know that the proposed law does all that Swift boasts of, but we do believe quick, pointed opposition should be voiced to your senators and congressman as soon as possible.

INFORMATION

Children “Divorcing” Parents?

According to the Family Research Council, there is a case in a Florida Appeals Court that is focusing public attention on the agenda of children’s rights advocates who want to grant minors the right to take legal action against their parents. The case involves an 11-year-old boy who is seeking the constitutional right to “divorce” his parents so that he can be adopted by the foster parents with whom he now lives. At issue in this case is not whether either of the boy’s biological parents, who are now divorced, are fit to raise him. Instead, the case centers around the issue of whether children are sufficiently capable of understanding and acting in their own long-range interests that they can initiate independent legal action against their parents. Historically, our nation’s legal system has held that children are not capable of making such judgments. It seems to us that this is one more step in the process of weakening and undermining the family unit.

Ontario to Expand Homosexual Employees’ Benefits

According to the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail, the Ontario government will now extend survivor pension benefits to the spouses of its homosexual employees. A board of inquiry appointed under the Ontario Human Rights Code has ruled that the denial of survivor benefits to couples of the same sex is a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The ruling has opened the way for similar challenges against all employers in the province. Catherine Frazee, chief commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, said that the ruling will be used across Canada to extend more rights to gay men and lesbians. The report goes on to state that Attorney General Howard Hampton welcomed the decision and said Ontario will intervene in a current court case challenging the federal law against allowing income tax deductions for same-sex spouses. “It has always been government policy to extend all spousal benefits to the same-sex partners of its own employees,” he said (emphasis ours). It is interesting to note that there is not one word in the entire article suggesting that anyone objects to this ruling. “Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all” (Luke 1 7:28-29).

Television: Satan’s Delight

According to Dr. J. Dobson, writing in the Focus on the Family newsletter, the television networks are unveiling their new programs for the fail. The Hollywood producers and directors are always “dreaming up new and more shocking ways to depict infidelity, homosexuality, adolescent promiscuity, profanity, nudity, racial hatred and gut-wrenching violence... They work very hard to match the evil of previous programs” and it seems that this year is no exception.

A new program, “I Witness Video,” features actual footage of incredibly violent and bloody events — not reenactments, that were captured on home camcorder equipment. One episode shows a cop being kicked, stabbed and shot to death. Another depicts a Texas police officer killing a suspected drug dealer. Yet another shows a video shot from a helicopter of a speeding truck in which the driver, in an attempt to escape from police, hits a pedestrian. The effect, says Newsweek magazine, is “sickening.” Later in this episode, police pour bullets into the cab of the truck, killing the fugitive. In the final scene, he is shown hanging out of the window with blood gushing from his head. There are shots of a pregnant woman suspended from the window of a burning building, photographs of mutilated murder victims, and a man preparing to kill himself on television. In summing up the motive for such disgusting violence the Vice President of NBC News, Jeffrey Gaspin, said, “We look for jolts.” Dr. Dobson ends his article by saying, “You might try unplugging the television, selling it, moving it into the garage, hacking it with an axe... but by all means, shield your family from the most wicked and dangerous season of programming in history.” The NRC is hardly the only warning voice against the T.V. in society today. Those who advocate its use are the ones who are “missing out” on what wholesome family life can be like without the world pouring out of the set and into the living room and their hearts.

Mercy Killings Increased in the Netherlands

As reported in the Toronto Star the number of mercy killings reported to Dutch coroners has increased sharply since the country’s parliament recently decriminalized the practice. Doctors reported 339 mercy killings in January, compared to 591 during the whole of 1991. Rules allow euthanasia if a patient requests it and is suffering “unacceptable pain,” even if not afflicted with a terminal illness. Are not these evil trends forcing their way into American society at this very moment? Please consider contacting state officials (governor and state legislative representatives) and voicing opposition to laws that condone euthanasia.

California Referendum Initiative Likely to Mandate Nonvoluntary Killings

As reported in a current National Right to Life News, “on November 3, voters in California will decide whether it becomes the first state to legalize the direct killing of people who are terminally ill. According to opinions already issued by California courts make it very likely that, if the initiative passes, the state courts will rule... that incompetent people who have never expressed a desire to be killed must also have the ‘right’ to be killed whenever their guardians make that ‘choice’ for them.” If passed, no further vote of the people or the legislature of California will be necessary to enact this measure, just a test court case. It is sadly noteworthy that the debate is no longer even about the sin of suicide or euthanasia. The question now is how far can it be allowed.

— DL/RVS

In Memoriam

EVANGELIST J.J. GROEN

As this issue went to press, we received word of the passing away of Evangelist J.J. Groen from a heart attack on October 24. Evangelist Groen has been pastoring our English-speaking New Zealand congregation for many years.

May the Lord sustain the mourning family and congregation in the midst of their heavy blow, and provide an evangelist to fill the empty place.

Additional details will be reported in next month’s Banner of Truth, D.V.

—JRB

RENEWAL AND GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS

Most subscriptions to The Banner of Truth expire with the December 1992 issue. To avoid missing future issues, please forward your renewal for 1993 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 1993, 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.

“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear Thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah” (Ps. 60:4).

—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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