1989 Denominational Review

The following editorial is a synopsis of the introductory review to our 1990 Yearbook: Church and School Directory, which will be available shortly and may now be ordered at $3.50 (US funds) from Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing, 1020 N. Main Ave., Sioux Center, Iowa 51250. Once again we are privileged to be one of the few denominations in North America which may show a rise in membership. May the Lord grant us like growth spiritually in our sin-darkened day.

This year the representative article written for the church section of our Yearbook is by Rev. J. Spaans on “The Great Church Builder”; the article for the school section is by Principal J.W. Beeke on “What is a Netherlands Reformed Christian School?”

May our Yearbook continue to provide valuable information and assist in binding our congregations and members together. May it stimulate us to remember the needs of our denomination and congregations at the throne of grace.

OFFICE-BEARERS

Deaths

Five former office-bearers passed away in 1989: Dennis Byle (former elder and deacon at Covell Ave., Grand Rapids, Ml), Rochus Wm. Schelling (former deacon at Sioux Falls, South Dakota), Herman Dejonge (former deacon at Unionville, Ontario) Martinus Van Driesten (former elder at Lethbridge, Alberta), and Cornelis Overeem (former deacon at Lethbridge, Alberta). May the Lord graciously strengthen the bereaved families with Himself as the consolation of Israel (Lk. 2:25).

Ministers

At the March 29, 1989 gathering of Classis Far West, Rev. M. Heerschap was granted honorable and official emerita-tion due to his ill health and age after having suffered a heart attack. May the Lord continue to bless our brother as emeritus minister, grant further recovery, and if it be in accord with His will, continue to enable him to perform some labors in the unknown future.

At the same Classis Far West gathering, Rev. A. W. Verhoef received an honorable discharge from the Classis in order to return to the Netherlands, as he has felt liberty to accept a pastoral call to the congregation of FJeek-bergen. Rev. Verhoef preached his farewell sermon on July 9 from 2 Corinthians 13:11. He was installed in Beekbergen on July 18. Shortly after our brother’s installation in Beekbergen, the Verhoef family was plunged into mourning with the loss of their 38-year-old daughter, Mrs. Hennie Hoed-man. Rev. H. Hofman led the funeral service from Isaiah 66:2b. May the Lord fill the empty place with His presence, continue to add years to his life and ministry in the Netherlands, and bless him and his loved ones.

The emeritation of Rev. Heerschap and departure of Rev. Verhoef left no active ministers in Classis Far West. Hence it was to the gladness of many that word was received this past summer that Rev. A. M. DenBoer received liberty to accept a pastoral call to Sun-nyside, Washington. He was installed by Rev. J. DenHoed in Sunnyside on October 11, 1989 from John 12:21b. The following evening, Rev. DenBoer preached his inaugural from 1 Cor. 9:16a. May the Lord graciously bless Rev. and Mrs. DenBoer in their new pastoral charge, confirming Genesis 12:2, “I will bless thee . . . and thou shaft be a blessing.”

Rev. and Mrs. Hofman were privileged to commemorate their 35th anniversary. Mrs. Hofman’s mother passed away at the ripe age of eighty-five. Also, Rev. and Mrs. L. Kieboom were privileged to commemorate their 30th wedding anniversary on May 4. May the Lord bless them and their families.

Ministers in the Netherlands (Gereformeerde Gemeenten)

Rev. C. Wisse passed away on June 15 at the age of 74. The following ministers were installed in new pastorates in 1989: Rev. W. Hage at Kruiningen; Rev. Verhoef at Beekbergen. Rev. A.J. Gunst was ordained into the ministry at Tholen.

CONGREGATIONS

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

The Sheboygan, Wisconsin congregation was privileged to dedicate their new church building to the Lord’s service on January 20, 1989 in a special service conducted by their moderator, Rev. H. Hofman. His text was Psalm 87:2, “The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.” May God’s Name be glorified, sinners saved, and His children edified in this house of prayer.

Kalamazoo, Michigan

On August 9, 1989 the Kalamazoo congregation gathered to commemorate their centenary. Their former pastor, Rev. H. Hofman, led the service, preaching from Isaiah 51:1-2. He directed our thoughts to the past which (1) speaks of our insignificance, (2) speaks of God’s mercy and care, and (3) speaks of God’s redemption. An edifying memorial volume commemorating this congregation’s one hundred years of existence, entitled Our Hope for Years to Come (by Elder Garret J. Moerdyk), was also printed, and is available for $8.50 from Netherlands Reformed Book and Publishing, 1020 N. Main Ave., Sioux Center, IA 51250. May the Lord command His blessing upon this congregation and the penned memorial.

Rock Valley, Iowa

Rev. J. Den Hoed led his congregation in a memorial service for the 75th anniversary of the Rock Valley, Iowa flock. His text for the occasion was 1 Samuel 7:12, “Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us.” (A short memorial volume written at the occasion of their 70th anniversary is still available from the Rock Valley consistory.)

Also, the Rock Valley congregation is presently constructing a 300-seat addition to their church sanctuary. May the Lord provide, and add His blessing.

Chilliwack, British Columbia

In 1989, the Chilliwack NRC sold their church and are presently in the process of constructing a new building. May the Lord be their Breaker to go before them (Micah 2:13).

South Holland, Illinois

Our smallest and oldest congregation had a special service in December which included the baptism of two adults, two infants, and the confession of faith of five members. On January 25, 1990, their moderator hopes to conduct a service in commemoration of their 125 years of existence.

MISSION/EVANGELISM

Foreign Missions

Student Peter Bazen entered his last year of theological training. The Lord willing, if all goes as planned, he will undergo his final Curatorium exam on February 14, 1990, and his classical exam on March 7. Pending congregational approval, he will be sent out by our Grand Rapids (Crescent St.) congregation in an ordination service on March 20. His inaugural service is scheduled for March 21. Shortly thereafter he will fly to Costa Rica with his wife to undergo one year’s worth of training in the Spanish language, after which the presently open doors in Bolivia will be pursued. Please pray for the Bazens, as well as for Miss Connie Stam who hopes to accompany them, and for the family of Jacob Nijsse who hope to arrive in Costa Rica later this summer. (In 1989, both Miss Stam and Mr. Nijsse labored for some months for our Nigerian mission field.)

Rev. H. Hofman and Elder J. Van Brugge (administrator of the Mission Board) visited Bolivia for further information and preparatory work relative to the establishing of our own mission field there. Their visit was quite encouraging.

Rev. G. Kuiyt made two additional trips to our North American congregations. Presently, he plans to receive official emeritation status this year and settle in the area of Chilliwack, British Columbia. As emeritus minister, he will serve the churches as enabled. May the Lord fulfil for him, his wife and family, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Ps. 23:6a).

The Bill Moerdyk and Mike Meeuwse families were spared to fulfil significant mission labor in Nigeria and Indonesia respectively. Len VanWingerden is awaiting a visa in order to return to Indonesia.

May God continue to sustain all those from our local congregations who labor on foreign mission fields in some capacity, and bless all their efforts. Let us pray that He will thrust forth more missionaries and mission workers— the need is great all over the earth (Jn. 4:35; Mt. 9:37-38).

Home Missions

The work in Baldwin, Michigan continued to progress. Elder J. Bazen was added to the elders and pastor from Grand Rapids who have been appointed to rotate speaking an edifying word on alternate Fridays. Regular reports of this work have been printed in our mission periodical, Paul. Numerous individuals assist in teaching Bible on Saturdays, and with the mission store, as well as with details such as providing transportation, etc. The labors in Denver, Colorado were discontinued largely due to lack of attendance. Evangelist Bartel Elshout was given a one-year leave of absence, during which time he is teaching at our Franklin Lakes school and translating the invaluable work of Wilhelmus a Brakel, Redelijke Godsdienst. May the Lord confirm for him and his family, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye” (Ps. 32:8).

The services in Bradenton, Florida continued as usual. Once again, substantial growth was evident. This year, several of our students and ministers hope to serve the Florida group for a Sunday. Mr. Henry Mast, one of the two leaders, underwent heart surgery. To date, the Lord has made all things well.

An increasing number of congregations became involved in local evangelism efforts in their neighborhoods. May God add His blessing to all heartfelt efforts to reach out to our poor, perishing neighbor in both “Word and deed.” May He continue to bless our mission periodical to arouse a much greater mission-minded spirit among us. May we learn the spiritual art of taking the kingdom of heaven by violence (Mt. 11:12), begging for Spirit-worked revival upon us and our mission efforts.

EDUCATION

Theological School and Curatorium

Sadly, the judgments of God rested upon our denomination once again in withholding additional students from us. The Curatorium did not have liberty to accept any of those who appeared with a ministerial attest from their respective consistories. May the Lord graciously make it different this year. We are unworthy; He is worthy. May He stir up a greater sense of need among us.

Students Peter Bazen and James Greendyk were promoted to their fourth and third years of study respectively. Both were given permission to speak an edifying word in the congregations. May there be much prayer for these brothers and their families as they labor and study in the service of God.

Rev. J. Spaans was appointed president of the Curatorium and Rev. H. Hofman, vice-president. Rev. C. Voge-laar and Dr. J. R. Beeke were asked to continue teaching the students and a plan of study for the 1989-1990 school year was unanimously agreed upon.

In the Netherlands, J. B. Zippro was accepted for studies in the theological school. Candidate G. M. De Leeuw ac-cepted a call to Barneveld and Candidate P. Melis, to Nieuw-Beijerland.

Teachers’ Conference

The NRCEA Teachers’ Conference was held in Rock Valley, Iowa. The following seven plenary sessions were given and are available for $2.00 each from “The Tape Room”:

• General Session #7—”Building for the Future” (Principal D. Ten Elshof).

• General Session #2—”The Lord’s Supper and Confession” (Rev. C. Vogelaar).

• General Session #3—”How Do We Motivate Our Children: The Fallacy of Humanistic and Christian Psychology” (Principal F. VanderZwaag).

• General Session #4—”Teaching the Doctrine of the Trinity” (Dr. j.R. Beeke).

• General Session #5—”Teaching Children to See: The Power of Example” (Principal J.W. Beeke).

• General Session #6—”The Child and Our Responsibility” (Rev. J. denHoed).

• General Session #7—”Finding Refuge in the Ark” (Rev. H. Hofman).

Secondary and Elementary Schooling

Our school movement continued to grow in 1989. This movement has been a humbling blessing bestowed upon us by Cod’s grace as a denomination in recent years. The NRCEA (Netherlands Reformed Christian Educators Association) continued to function well, and its School Journal continued to provide impetus to the denominational school movement. The Synodical Education Committee continued to provide input into the educational conferences, and to supervise denominational textbook work.

May Cod graciously continue to pronounce His blessing in 1990 upon our entire school system at its various levels, including our principals, teachers, students, parents, schoolboards, and all who work on committees or in paid or volunteer capacities of assistance.

PUBLICATIONS

Books

Nearly 20,000 denominational titles were sold once again in 1989. Several volumes were reprinted. More Than Conquerors: An Exposition of Hebrews 11 (Rev. G. H. Kersten); A Door Opening into Everlasting Life (Rev. Andrew Gray); Building on the Rock: Religious Stories for Children, Book 1 (J. R. Beeke, J. W. Beeke, D. Kleyn); Our Hope for Years to Come (Elder G. Moerdyk); 7989 Yearbook: Church and School Directory, were made available for the first time.

Periodicals

Our four periodicals—The Banner of Truth (official monthly); Insight Into (for young people); Paul (for mission); and NRCEA School Journal (for education)—continued in basically similar formats to meet the needs of their respective audiences. May the Lord command His blessing.

Sermons and Mission Materials

The Inheritance Publishers Committee (sermons), Macedonia Mission Society (sermons, Bible and church history), and the Banner of Truth Tract Mission continued their respective worthy tasks of spreading the Word of God to established congregations, contemporary society, and mission fields.

“The Tape Room” continued making sermon tapes available, as well as tapes from various conferences, lectures/classes, teacher courses, read books, and the Banner of Truth. All tapes are sold at a non-profit rate, and are also available on a borrowing basis. For more details and a listing of the tapes available, write “The Tape Room,” 540 Crescent Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, Ml 49503. In 1989 alone, more than 10,000 sermon tapes were sold locally, denominationally, and internationally.

Also Bible Truth Books (P.O. Box 2373, Kalamazoo, Ml 49003), and James Van Voorst (1103 S. Main, Sioux Center, IA 51250), continued to be distributors of sermon tapes. May the Lord graciously bless these tape ministries throughout and beyond our denomination. How encouraging it is that in our dark times there is still such an overwhelming interest in hearing the Word of God proclaimed in addition to Sunday’s church attendance! God’s Word shall not return to Him void (Is. 55:10-11). Eternity shall reveal the fruits.

ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE WORK

Correspondence with the governments of the United States and Canada has again transpired on a national basis. In 1989, the National-International Disaster Fund again sent out tens of thousands of dollars for the needy throughout the world, afflicted by starvation, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. The committees for the USA and Canada Savings Funds continued to actively assist our churches and schools in a competent manner. The Emeritus Fund Committee has again provided service where called for. Correspondence with Foreign Churches has been duly undertaken. Rev. Den Hoed and Rev. Vogelaar attended the denominational Synod in The Netherlands. The Legal Committee was very active and helpful on several fronts to advise and assist the congregations and schools on legal issues. May the Lord bless all the efforts put forth by our respective committees and confirm that this labor is not in vain in the Lord.

CONCLUDING WISHES

May God continue to bless our churches, office-bearers, and the means of grace administered through the spoken, taught, written, and sung gospel message in 1990. May He preserve us in the doctrines of free and sovereign grace. May His people grow in self-depreciation and in Christ-appreciation. The times are dark, but He is Almighty. He has but to speak and it is; to command, and it stands firm. May 1990 be God’s ripe time to translate many sinners from the dominion of sin to the power of divine grace.

The Lord has been good. The Lord is good. The Lord shall be good. His Name is Jehovah. That is our only hope for the nineties.

Dr. J.R. Beeke is pastor of the First Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids Michigan).

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