CHURCH NEWS

Calls Declined:

To the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Congregation, by Rev. A.W. Verhoef, of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.

To the Rotterdam - Ijsselmonde, the Netherlands, Congregation, by Rev. W.C. Lamain of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The following article was written by Rev. Verhoef and translated from the Banner of Truth, Meditatie Section.

THINK OF DYING

Chiliwack, July 27,1977

Most of you have undoubtedly heard the shocking news that 2 (and most probably 4) young lives from Chiliwack were snuffed out by an act as Cain did many years ago.

As is the case in such instances, a torrent of rumors were sent out via newspapers and other news media. Such reports, alas, are often distorted by untruths or half truths. Man, how terrible it is to have to say, is bent upon the sensational. The facts alone are in themselves already terrible enough.

Monday night a family, who had made a visit to the Netherlands, went to visit at the home of one of our deacons. They had experienced a trip packed with anxiety and wanted to discuss their experiences. On normal occasions they would wait with this until Saturday night. But now on Monday night. Their children were with them. Two of their sons and two of the family they were visiting went for an automobile ride. One of the young fellows took his girl along, while two others who also were going along, couldn’t go at the last minute. We hope that they may have seen the Lord’s protecting hand therein.

They drove to a woody area near the river, where there was a look-out point over the surrounding scenic area. They weren’t there long before one of the boys saw someone with a gun who began shooting. He then ran away to get help. As he fled he heard more shooting and anguished cries. Finally he was calmed down enough to telephone police. They arrived and went with him to the scene of the crime. In the meantime it had gotten dark which hampered the search. They did discover that upon some rocks along the river, blood was found. Apparently the dead bodies were dragged there and dumped in the river. Before all of the parents were reached it had become 2:30 a.m. The parents of the girl still hadn’t been reached and only later found out about it through a police bulletin.

That there was much fear and consternation is to be easily understood. Wednesday the bodies of two boys were found. Frogmen, speed boats, and a helicopter searched the river. Thus far the search continues because the bodies of the one boy and of the girl have not yet been found, while other possibilities, such as removal elsewhere have not been ruled out by police. The great fear is that their bodies are lying on the bottom of the river.

After thorough examination at the hospital, the two bodies were released for burial. The one boy, probably, in defense of his girls friend, attacked the person with the weapon. At least he had several knife marks in his back. The other was immediately killed by the shots. Readers, especially young people, what a warning! Sunday in church and Monday in eternity.

The grief and anguish cannot be imagined. Also the uncertainty in two families is terrible. Several of the grandparents live here and also there is a girlfriend hoping and praying that her boyfriend may have been spared; consequently we have been busy the whole week visiting and comforting the mourning. I have wished them all a visit of the Lord. He has spoken in our congregation as well as in the congregation of Neth. Ref. Cong. in North America. In both denominations there is yet felt: God has something to say and not only for us but for outsiders also.

For the burials the police took extra precautions to be prepared for anything. But everything, thanks be to the Lord, went calm and peaceful. No funeral home was large enough so the service was conducted in our church.

We spoke out of Psalm 39:4 “Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.” The concern and impression was so great, that if the Lord had not helped me I would have had to stop. All the parents and grandparents and close relatives were present, also of them that at the moment I am writing this, are still missing. Afterward they had the opportunity to take one last glance at the beloved dead. Thereafter we then left for the cemetery. A large crowd followed the casket. At the graveside, as well as in the church, we spoke both in English as well as Dutch. This was necessary because many in attendance don’t understand Dutch. The father of one of the boys gravely thanked all who expressed their sympathy and remembered the relatives in the Netherlands.

Sunday morning we were able to point to this out of Ecclesiastes 3:14 “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever; nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him.” When you see the grief of those whose beloved are already buried as well as those who still live in uncertainty, then it is our prayer that it may leave some good behind for eternity… That the Lord also may make it a warning for the youth here, to learn to forsake the world and by grace to seek the Lord.

Chilliwack

July 29,1977

Here is a sad updating of what we have written. Wednesday the bullet riddled body of John DenHertog was found. The second out of this heavily tried family.

Until now, no trace has been found of the girl. The parents live between hope and fear. Also for the grandparents it is a heavy trial. In fact, those who sympathize with the three families may cry out, “Why were our children spared?”

Monday, August 1, in the afternoon is to be the burial. I hope, the Lord willing, to conduct the service out of Psalm 90:3; “Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.” May it all go as peaceful and decent as the burial of the other two.

May the Lord strengthen those who are already certain of their children’s death as well as those who are yet in anxious fear; and point them to the only place where comfort is obtainable. The Lord teach us all something with this for our eternal profit. Your salvation seeking.

Rev. A.W. Verhoef

Chilliwack

August 22,1977

In the midst of anguish and care, and in the case of one pair of parents, who know nothing of the where abouts of their daughter, this burial has now taken place amidst widespread concern. It did our hearts good that out of so many congregations and from so many ministers sympathy was extended.

Sunday morning, August 7, we spoke about the words in Psalm 90:15 “Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.”

May the Lord, with all the outward tragedies yet cause to be felt that His visitation is not out of desire to vex. Yea, that we may bow under the strokes, could it be to our eternal gain.

In the meantime, the friend of a girl in our congregation drowned. Again a sadness, and again a tear has been torn. The young man was from another denomination and it took place while we were away from Chilliwack. But just the same, the sorrow is felt in those families. God give this girl to learn to bow her knees before Him who is just in all His ways and work.

It is our wish that the warnings may be heard, and that they would drive all of us to the Lord, Who strikes but also can heal again.

Rev. A.W. Verhoef

JOEL BEEKE CANDIDATE FOR THE MINISTRY

At a Committee meeting held in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, on October 19, 1977, Student Joel Beeke was examined and promoted to be a candidate for the ministry. After November 15 he will be eliglible for call by the congregations.

It is the wish of our heart that this decision may be a blessing for the denomination. May the Lord remember Mr. Beeke in His favor, anointing him with His Holy Spirit.

The Committee

MR. JOHN J. VAN HASSENT DIES

Early on Saturday morning, October 15, 1977, Mr. John J. VanHassent passed away at the age of 85. For many years he served as an elder in the Haledon Avenue Congregation, Paterson, New Jersey. The last years, especially after he was retired, he was willing to spend his time in translating articles from the Holland into the English language for me. I cannot appreciate enough his willingness to do this work.

He was born in Flakkee in the Netherlands, and came to Paterson in his early youth. With heart and soul he lived in the congregation where in those days the Rev. N.H. Beversluis was pastor. For himself his life was in much darkness and strife. I visited him two weeks before he died, then his heart was still filled with fear and trembling. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His.” II Tim.2:19

Editor

SAVINGS FUND OF THE NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATIONS IN THE U.S.A.

Financial Report September 30,1977

Assets:

Cash in Checking Account 4.86

Cash in Savings Account 45,939.67

Total Assets 45,944.53

Liabilities:

Due to Depositors 46,000.00

Fund Balance (55.47)

Total Liabilities and

Fund Balance 45,944.53

Receipts:

Interest on Savings Account 39.67

Disbursements:

Stationery 95.14

Excess of Disbursements over

Receipts 55.47

Peter Southway, Treasurer

SCHOOL NEWS

(In order to acquaint our readers with the progress and development of the schools of our churches in United states and Canada, we have requested a brief summary from each of the principals, which we hope to publish each month. Our first report is from the Chilliwack school in British Columbia, Canada.)

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL NEWS

The Lord enabled us to open Timothy Christian School in September, 1975. We began with a four-classroom building, seven grades, 108 students and three teachers. The next year it proved necessary to build an addition to our building. The Lord gave willing hearts, and this year we were able to move into all the classrooms of our new addition. The present building consists of 6 regular classrooms, and a homemaking/classroom, library/ classroom, woodshop, staff room, supply room, study room, two sets of washrooms, and an all-purpose room.

Presently we have 224 students enrolled in grades 1 through 9. We have 8 full-time and 3 half-time teachers. Twelve teachers’ aids come into the school at different times during the week to help with music, art, physical education, library, typing, and student tutoring.

The school is located on ten acres, in a country setting, approximately five miles east of Chilliwack. Three large buses and one small bus pick up the students which come from homes as far away as fifty miles to the west and 10 miles to the east.

We added a ninth grade program this year offering the following required or elective courses: Bible, Church History, Basic Math or Algebra, Basic or Advanced English, Basic or Advanced Woodworking or Homemaking, Typing or Electricity, Basic or Advanced Social Studies and Science, Bible Doctrine, Dutch or French, Woodworking I (for girls), Public Speaking or Physical Education (Boys), and Drafting or Physical Education (girls).

The schoolboard consists of 15 members, nominated by the consistory and elected by the congregation. Rev. A.W. Verhoef serves as President of the schoolboard.

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION

(Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

1. Title of Publication: The Banner of Truth.

2. Date of filing: September 26, 1977.

3. Frequency of issue: monthly.

4-5. Location of publication: 1422 Tamarack Ave. N.W., Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan 49504.

6. Publisher: The Netherlands Reformed Congregations, 540 Crescent St., N.E., Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan 49503. Editor: Rev. Wm. C. Lamain, 2115 Romence Dr., N.E., Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan 49503. Managing Editor: James DeMeester, 1422 Tamarack Ave., N.W., Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan 49504.

7. Owner: The Netherlands Reformed Congregations, 540 Crescent St., N.E., Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan 49503.

8. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities: None.

TOTAL NUMBER COPIES PRINTED

2,375 copies per month - 28,500 copies annually.

I certify that the statements made by me above are correct and complete.

-Rev. Wm. C. Lamain, Editor

NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS

Most subscriptions to The Banner of Truth expire with the December 1977 issue. To avoid missing future issues please send in your renewal ($4.50) within the next 60 days if possible. A postage free envelope is enclosed in this issue of The Banner of Truth for your convenience.

Subscribers living in Canada or in other countries outside the U.S.A. are required to place postage stamps on the provided envelope.

It is suggested that remittance be made via personal check, bank or post office money order.

It is our wish that the instruction given to Timothy “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned” may be applied by the Holy Spirit to the hearts of our students at Timothy Christian School. The Lord alone must give the increase; may He bless the instruction given and those who give the instruction, that His name might be honored and glorified, and that sinners might be brought into His marvelous light.

If any further information is desired, please feel free to write or call.

Timothy Christian School

50420 Castleman Rd., R.R. 2

Chilliwack, B.C.

V2P 6H4

(604) 794–7615

J. Beeke, Principal

10435 McGrath Rd., R.R.I

Rosedale, B.C.

VOX IY0

(604) 794–7109

The Timothy Christian Schoolboard

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