CHURCH NEWS

SYNOD MEETS JUNE 18, 1980

The Lord willing, the Synod of the Netherlands Reformed Churches in America plans to convene on Wednesday, June 18, at 9:00 a.m. in the church on 540 Crescent, N.E., Grand Rapids, michigan.

A prayer meeting will be conducted by Rev. L. Kieboom the evening before at 7:45 p.m.

In order to avoid confusion and last minute problems, as in the past, we kindly ask that those delegates to the Synod, who do not have a pre-arranged lodging, please contact the clerk of the Grand Rapids Congregation by mail or phone, so that accomodations may be made in advance. The address and phone number of the clerk is as follows:

Marvin Vanden Toorn

208; Brandon Dr., N.W.

Grand Rapids, Mich. 49504

Tel. 1-616-453-1055

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First of all, last week I still received some money from Iowa, Wisconsin and New York State for those that suffered from the tornado in Ontario. At the Classis I could give it to the Minister of Norwich, who is still, with the deacons, helping members of the church. I am glad that the Lord continues to incline the hearts of men. Not only in our congregations, but also in other denominations, men know my address, as a free deacon. Some gifts were also received for other purposes.

I will also take this opportunity to let you know that after I had placed the article in our “Banner of Truth” for help in regard to the work of the Inheritance Publishers Committee, the first check I received was out of our own congregation, our own flock, a princely gift of $1000.00. (Two mites of a poor widow are also welcome, Luke 21:1-4.) Our treasurer, Mr. R. Westrate, received several checks, and with what I have received, it amounted to more than $8000.00.

It has humbled my heart that notwithstanding the fact that so many forsake the truth in these dark days, there is still a remnant that loves the truth, and wants to give liberally to send out the old doctrines over the whole world.

Again our hearty thanks, friends, and it is the wish of my heart for you and your families that the Lord may make room in your hearts for that doctrine in which the Lord is glorified to the highest, and the sinner abased to the lowest. The needs and wants, also for our daily lives become greater and greater, but still II Cor. 9:7 remains true, “For God loveth a cheerful giver.’

Your audacious friend,

Rev. W. C. Lamain

P.S. Another princely gift of $1000.00 has been received for the “Inheritance”.

W.C.L.

Calls Declined:

To the Clifton, New Jersey, Congregation, by Rev. J.W. Verweij, of H.I. Ambacht, the Netherlands.

To the Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. A. Vergunst, of Veen, the Netherlands.

To the Kalamazoo, Michigan, Congregation, by Rev. D. Hakkenberg, of Lisse, the Netherlands.

To the St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Congregation, by Rev. J.J. Van Eckerveld, of Zeist, the Netherlands.

CORRECTIONS

It has been brought to our attention that in the March 1980 issue of “The Banner of Truth” several references to the Deity-God- in the English Meditation, were not properly expressed.

The corrections refer to page 3 and are as follows: In the first column, in the first paragraph starting in this column, line four should read—not worthy that (You) Thou shouldest give us this place. Line eleven should read—that I shall never curse (You) Thee;

In the second paragraph starting in this column, lines nine and ten should read— Lord if (You do) Thou wilt not come with (Your) Thy blood, I cannot stand before (You) Thee,

In the second column, on Page 3, line three should read— O, Lord, may it be the day of (Your) Thy—

We are sorry that these mistakes occured.

Editor

YOUTH CONFERENCE IN GRAND RAPIDS

The Grand Rapids Congregation will host the “Youth Day Conference”, July 5, 1980, D.V. Our program includes several speakers, choir singing, a Bible quiz and an opportunity for questions. Rev. A. Vergunst will be the principal guest speaker, the Lord willing. We welcome our young people to attend and where possible to join our Sunday services the following day.

Those desiring accomodations should contact Miss Elizabeth Mast, 1759 Leffingwell, N.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49505, tel. 616-363-7074 or Mr. Gary L. Kwekel, 1650 Gentian S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49508, tel. 616-455-1538.

REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL-INTERNATIONAL DISASTER FUND COMMITTEE

Anxiety engulfs our nation and surely we will be seeing the fulfilment of Revelation 6, concerning the red, black and pale horses, war, famine and pestilence. The holding of 50 American citizens as hostages in Iran and the aggressive take-over of Afghanistan by the Communists are certain to bring bloodshed and all the accompanying calamities.

Requests for help came from numerous relief agencies. We are extremely careful to work through those in whom we have confidence that our aid is not supporting the communists or having it fall into their hands. This has been the case with some aid sent by other relief agencies to Cambodia.

Our churches and friends gave $63,784.61 for help and relief of life necessities this past year. These figures are hard and cold facts unless seen through and beyond, to view the tragedies, sadness, hardships and hopelessness through other’s eyes. Those who have undergone something of it personally realize the reality, especially when life sustaining necessities are scarce or lacking.

Congregations and individuals gave $50,000 to relieve tornado stricken families from Norwich. Medical assistance was sent to Christian hospitals in Uganda after their dictator was driven out and a new government set up. It was reported there was practically no medicine to treat patients, no bandages to cover wounds and sores, and nothing to treat thousands of malnourished children.

Some aid has been given to the “Boat People”, Vietnamese who gave everything they owned for the opportunity to flee the new communistic government set up in their country. They fled, many on small boats not even sea worthy, not knowing whether they would survive or perish at sea. The letters we have received from World Vision Inc., World Emergency Relief (humanitarian project of Community Churches of America) and other relief agencies have recorded conditions indescribable in that part of the world. Sea pirates raid, rape and murder helpless victims on these boats.

Friends, how it behooves us to humbly acknowledge the Lord for his Word, the necessities of life and the freedom we still enjoy. We must also say, how long? God’s judgments are upon us because we have forsaken His Word and departed from His commandments.

This committee wishes publicly to thank all the congregations and friends who so graciously responded to the plea for help from one of our congregations and for the various needs of the past year.

May we remember one another at the throne of Grace and obey God’s Word when He reminds us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”. Anyone who the Lord inclines his or her heart for this type of humanitarian mercy may send their contribution to the treasurer: G. Deur, treas., 540 Crescent St., N.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503.

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