Classis East Youth Conference

On Saturday, July 2, approximately 120 young people met together in the Franklin Lakes church for the annual Classis East Youth Conference. The day began with opening by Rev. Vogelaar. Roll call was taken by Scott Van Grouw, showing representation from various churches in our denomination in the United States, Canada, and even the Netherlands.

Rev. Vogelaar spoke about the life of Daniel and his three friends, based on Daniel 1, and using as his title, In This World, but Not Of This World. He admonished us that although we must live in this world, we must not be a part of it, but remain a separate people. As young people, we should follow the example of Daniel and his three friends, who refused to eat the king’s meat and were blessed by God.

After a short break, a topic was given by Scott Van Grouw entitled Scripture, the Only Source of Knowledge. Scott pointed out that science must be based on God’s Word. Without a scriptural foundation and faith to believe, science is limited and can never answer all our questions.

Following an intermission for lunch, Rev. Spaans presented his topic entitled The Mark of the Beast, based on Revelations 13. This chapter gives a picture of the fallen world as it has continued on throughout the ages. It also points to the last days and the Antichrist. There are many elements of the world today that are anti-Christian, such as the New Age, and they show the emerging of a one- world government. Rev. Spaans warned us that we should not take part in anything that could be part of the Antichrist, but that we must pray to be kept from them.

The last topic, Resisting Temptation, given by Bill Van Houten, appealed to all the young people to pray continually that they would be kept from falling into temptation. He also admonished us to read our Bibles and keep good company in order to resist temptation. Above all else, we need God’s help to do so.

A picnic was held for all the young people at Silas Condict County Park in Kinnelon, New Jersey, following the conference. It was an enjoyable day for all who attended, and we hope the Lord’s blessing may rest upon it, and that He may work in the hearts of many young people.

Tapes of all four topics (3 tapes total) are available from Mr. Arie Heykoop, 138 Pine Brook Road, Montville, N.J. 07045, at a cost of $2.00 per tape, or a total of $6.00 (U.S.).

Classis Midwest Youth Day

On Saturday, July 23, the Classis Midwest Youth Day was held in the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Rock Valley. The theme for the day was Christianity versus Hedonism. Approximately 125 young people attended, and roll call indicated that quite a number of congregations were represented, also from the Netherlands.

The first topic was by Rev. Den Hoed, who spoke about Lot and the wrong choice which he had made. Although the area of Sodom looked advantageous for his material needs, it proved to be a choice which he later had to regret. All his material goods were left behind when Sodom was destroyed, but also his wife was taken from him. The seriousness of our choices which we are called upon to make at various times in our lives was emphasized. It was pointed out that the Lord’s approval should be sought in all matters confronting us.

The second topic was on Hedonism and was given by Candidate A. Vergunst. An outline of his address was passed out to the young people, and he addressed his subject according to this outline. The subject of hedonism was viewed in respect to: 1) its definition, 2) its origin, and 3) its evaluation. He then spoke of true pleasure as it is expressed in God’s Word and how God’s gifts are to be used to the benefit of ourselves and others.

In addition to group singing, several musical numbers were presented in a trumpet duet, a flute solo, and a violin quartet, all accompanied by the piano.

Before lunch the audience was given a series of statements regarding the theme of the day which they were to locate in the songs of the Psalters and in the Forms of Unity in the back of the Psalters. They were divided into groups for this.

After a delicious lunch, an opportunity was given to present written questions regarding the topics which were heard in the morning session, and the speakers gave their answers. It was evident that many questions do come up in the circumstances of our lives in these days.

A Bible quiz was then conducted by Elder G. Moerdyk, after which the conference was closed with prayer. Busses transported the young people and a number of adults to the Newton Hills State Park in South Dakota, and they later were returned to the school for a pizza supper.

May the instructions received be blessed by the Lord.

— G.J.M.

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