The Christian Church in Australia and New Zealand (3)

Having considered background information on Australia, and God’s saving grace at work through several of His servants in Australia’s history, it now remains for us to outline our synodically-appointed visit in working with our NRC mission-post group there. To understand our experiences more fully as noted below, it will be helpful to have some feeling for the background of this little group of twenty persons who reside some fifty miles south of Sydney. Rev. AM. Den Boer (who was largely responsible for the establishment of this group as a mission-post in the NRC via correspondence and subsequently a pastoral visit in 1985) provides us with an excellent summary of this background in the May-June 1985 issue of Paul as follows:

After World War II, many people moved out of the Netherlands as emigrants to different parts of the world. They moved not only to America and Canada, but also to Australia. At that time the Christian Reformed Church (there it is called the Reformed Church) was formed. As most of the people we have met came from this church, it was logical that they joined that church. But gradually there came a deviation from the truth. Labor on Sunday was allowed, and the doctrine of salvation was watered down. In short we can say, as it was reported to me, the truth was there no more. When protests were made against the preaching, it was not accepted and the result was that in 1970 several families broke from the Reformed Church in Australia. A few families stayed together, but the majority went astray to different sects or new churches.

In the providence of the Lord, one family came into contact with our churches in the United States and began to listen to the sermons of the late Rev. Lamain, which impressed them. They felt this was the truth as they had never heard it before. They sought contact with several ministers of our denomination, which they wanted to join. They received many offers from other churches to join them, but after they had heard the truth, they were “spoiled,” and could not do it.

In the years that passed they came together in their homes, where they had Bible class, and on Sundays they listened to tapes. But the families increased and the need became greater to belong to an existing church. For several years they requested us to come over, and finally we had no freedom to refuse any longer and decided to send one of our ministers to visit this group.

In the past year they had followed a full course of confession of faith class on tape, for which they came together every week. If we found things well in Australia, then we were allowed to form a mission-post there. That was the mandate we received.

Below is a synopsis of our diary notes from the Australia segment of our 1988 pastoral trip:

August 17

Left for Australia and New Zealand at noon with Elder Jim Bazen. Discussed for several hours various subjects of theology and experiential applications. Also, talked extensively about the need for, and approach of, a scriptural view of counselling. Spoke at length on how to conduct family visitation. Spent some time covering what I knew about the Australia and New Zealand church groups; accordingly, shared several recent, informative letters with Bazen from their members. Excellent fellowship.

Arrived in Honolulu 3:00 am, Michigan time (two hours late due to engine trouble in Los Angeles). Elder Bazen retired. Late night walk to Pacific Ocean. Beautiful, star-lit sky. No one around except God. Felt some access to Him. Broken down by His goodness and majesty. How great Thou art!

August 18

Day spent to accommodate for fourteen-hour jet lag involved in reaching Australia. Rented a car mid-morning and drove around the island of Oahu. Beautiful scenery — more so than anticipated. Visited the Polynesian Cultural Center — interesting and informative.

Arrived back at motel for dinner. Had three-hour discussion — mostly about sermons. Agreed on great need for sermons on conversion — especially conversions of biblical saints. Spoke from heart-to-heart about our spiritual desires and shortcomings, as well as the awesome, impossible calling of being office-bearers in the church. Oh God, help us to find our office-bearing strength and sufficiency only in Christ Jesus, the Office-bearer par excellence!

Went to airport at 11:00 pm to leave for Australia.

August 79–20

Left 1:00 am; flew all night (nine hours straight) to Auckland, New Zealand, and then four hours to Sydney, Australia. Arrived in Sydney 10:30 am on the 20th (i.e., 8:30 pm on the 19th, Michigan time). More good talks on both flights. Accented the great value of denominational distinctive which stresses experiential application of the truth in a scriptural balance — misery, deliverance, gratitude.

Greeted warmly by Mr. amd Mrs. G. Moerkerken and their daughter Ann, and Mr. and Mrs. John Feberwee. Received rapid introduction to “left-side-of-road” driving! Elder Bazen’s diary notes read: “Made dozen right turns in busy traffic from left side of road. Never so scared in car in my life!” Stopped at beautiful mountain-pass overlooking the ocean.

That evening the Australian church group (which consists of these two sets of parents, together with their children and grandchildren — twenty persons in all) met at the Moerkerken’s for fellowship. Discovered that Australian people do not naturally speak freely about spiritual convictions.

August 21

At 8:30 am thirty persons were present in a small, rented church (United Church, 13 Daisy St., Fairy Meadow, New South Wales). Baptism was administered to one child, and sermon was preached on Mark 10:13–16. Afterwards, the entire group met in the church hall for refreshments and then went to the home of the Moerkerkens for fellowship. Elder Bazen assisted me in speaking about the coming Lord’s Supper and in stressing what was experientially necessary to be proper partakers.

It was 3:00 pm by the time we finished lunch. Jet lag compelled me to lie down for an hour. At 4:45 pm the group met in church again, where the preparatory message was based on Matthew 5:4. Spiritual mourning and spiritual comfort were underscored. After church we visited until 9:15 pm.

August 22

Elder Bazen spent the day with the Feberwee family, while the Moerkerken family took me sightseeing. Though it was a bit cool and rainy (August is “winter-time” in Australia), the coastal scenery was magnificent. Hiked along some extensive rock formations at ocean’s edge. Rock seemed unending; very craggy — probably hardened lava. Meditated much on Psalm 40:2, “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.” Saw that as the depth of God’s goodness was great in delivering from the horrible pit of sin and the height of His goodness was great in delivering to the solid rock of Christ, so the breadth of His goodness was like the unending rock before my eyes — seemingly infinite when I looked both forward and backward. Reflecting inward and looking upward, I was given a sweet moment of faith to trust that Jesus Christ would also establish all my “goings” above and beyond expectation. Could believe at that moment, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Noticed, too, that I took the most photographs of the craggy places on the rock — so Christ is the solid rock upon which His people shall never perish, but the craggy times of affliction are for them the most memorable moments of their lives. It was good to be on this rock and hard to leave. Gave joy to feel communion with God on the other side of the world. Truly, it was felt at that moment: God is not bound to time or place!

Monday evening: Elder Bazen and I met with Mr. Feberwee and Mr. Moerkerken as board members to discuss matters of church concern. Very profitable meeting. Good progress made on several fronts. Need for more frequent pastoral visits from English-speaking ministers emphasized by the two board members.

Moreover, we will pursue efforts to make their group more well-known in North America, as they often feel deserted by our congregations. Specifically, we promised to do what we could to inform our congregations of the needs of the Australia group via our church periodicals and a detailed report of our visit. Also will encourage our Mission Board and the church where their membership papers are (NRC of Sioux Center, Iowa), to keep regular contact with them, as well as ask their moderator to write them biannually.

Discussed at length the conducting of church services. Presently, two of the sons-in-law of the Moerkerkens take turns reading “blue book” sermons and the catechism sermons of Rev. Kersten and Rev. Van Reenen weekly. Prayers are read. Encouraged more extemporaneous praying and reaffirmed the sermons being read. Will attempt to make some effort to assist in providing additional sermon material for both catechism and free reading services.

Christ is the solid rock upon which His people shall never perish, but the craggy times of affliction are for them the most memorable moments of their lives.

August 23

In the afternoon we drove northeast to visit Rev. lain Murray, editor of the renowned Banner of Truth Trust, who currently resides in Australia, just south of Sydney. God has used this scholar more than anyone else alive today for the printing and spreading of sound, orthodox books around the globe to those who embrace Reformed convictions. Rev. Murray is a soft-spoken, godly Englishman, particularly gifted in writing biography and church history. He expressed a desire to work together with our church denomination in the publication of a second and concluding volume of Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s complete works. He also expressed interest in publishing a booklet of “Puritans in Print,” as well as a volume on assurance of faith. We spoke candidly about the printing of volumes by Andrew Gray, Thomas Halyburton, Hugh Binning and several long out-of-print divines — also several “Nadere Reformatie” theologians whose volumes have been translated into English but never reprinted. Donated monies remain the largest obstacle in the reprinting of many of our sound forefathers. Agreed to correspond with Rev. Murray regularly relative to future printing endeavors.

Also had opportunity to have spiritual conversation with Rev. Murray. Both of us were impressed with his emphasis on the need for personal, experiential knowledge of both sin and grace.

At Rev. Murray’s suggestion, we traveled on that evening to the area of Katoomba, situated in the Blue Mountains. Foggy and cold upon our arrival. Were glad to find a motel. Had enjoyable dinner. Discussed the theological implications of our visits today.

August 24

In the morning, walked several miles of trails in an area resembling miniature Grand Canyon. Hiked down to “The Three Sisters,” a scenic rock formation, as well as to two renowned waterfalls. Magnificent and humbling. Took a two-car train down a 52 degree mountain side, and rode a tram between two mountains.

Drove northeast several hours to Newcastle in the afternoon so that Elder Bazen could visit an aunt residing there. Walked along ocean that night. Sat on rocks on ocean’s edge. Meditated much on the goodness and omnipotence of God. Waves were high — one was extra high, and drenched me thoroughly without warning — coat, sweater, clothes and all. Bazen managed to escape.

August 25

Sunny, 55 degrees. Spent morning alone by ocean, writing post cards while Elder Bazen visited his aunt. Walked on ocean rocks. Had an hour of sweet meditation and prayer. Felt some freedom to give over my entire life into the hands of my Master. Grieved that this freedom was not more extensive, more frequent, and more enduring.

Lunch in Newcastle — a quaint, beautiful city of some 270,000 persons. Had a lengthy, excellent discussion on Puritan theology. Drove south to northern Sydney where we took a motel and had dinner in a unique French restaurant. Dinner lasted three hours as we had an invaluable talk about practical Christianity and the great need for counselling. After dinner, took a long walk and continued our discussion. Very profitable. Before retiring, we both prayed aloud as usual, but felt a special sense of closeness with the Lord and one another. Freedom to pray for Zion and for our particular congregation in an unusual measure.

Only the child of God learns to truly miss the Lord, and only the child of God learns to truly find the Lord.

August 26

Up at 5:30 am to make it through Sydney before early morning rush hour. (Despite having a population of 3.3 million, Sydney has no major highways; in fact, at some points when traversing Sydney from north-to-south the major thoroughfare is reduced to a two-lane road!) Took an informative, excellent cruise of Sydney’s renowned harbor. On the way to Moerkerken’s, had a good talk on how to read in church services in the most edifying manner. Arrived home mid-afternoon.

That Friday evening met at Alan and Mary Brown’s home to talk with the Australian group about spiritual matters in general and the Lord’s Supper in particular. Asked Mr. Bazen to open with the reading of 2 Samuel 9 and prayer. Then began with regeneration and tried to explain how God leads His people through various steps in misery, deliverance, and gratitude. The entire group was present and the presentation was interspersed with many good questions — particularly in the area of faith, doubt, and assurance. We emphasized J.C. Philpot’s statement, “A child of God is known by two genuine marks — only the child of God learns to truly miss the Lord, and only the child of God learns to truly find the Lord.” After coffee, we had an additional one and one-half hours of discussion on experiential life. This was certainly our most edifying evening in Australia in terms of spiritual fellowship with this group.

August 27

Saturday we had set aside for counselling and family visitation with each household represented by the Australia group. Six in-depth visits were made. Busy day, but very worthwhile. Particularly in one case, we both felt the Lord enabled us to be of some permanent assistance.

In the evening, we sat in on the Australia group’s regular Bible Study led by Mr. Feberwee. Their practice is to have each person in the group be assigned one verse, express their thoughts on that verse, and then ask for discussion prior to moving on to the next verse. This particular evening they studied Revelation 2, and gave quite sound and informative comments on it. This Bible Study appears to be a significant part of this group’s fellowship.

August 28

This morning, Sunday, the Lord’s Supper was administered. The message was based on Job 23:3a. Seven of the group attended — one for the first time. Did not experience the kind of freedom I desired, but the Lord knows best. He is always good — always better to us than we are to Him. Afterwards, had an opportunity to speak with the new communicant, which was profitable.

In the evening, spoke post-communion message with more freedom. Afterwards, coffee at Moerkerken’s for a final time of fellowship with the group. Presented both of us with a book as a gift of thanks. They were very appreciative of Elder Bazen’s support and love for them as well.

May God bless these days among this group with fruits of free, sovereign grace to the glory of His worthy Name. Oh, may He yet do a mighty work in Australia in these dark days!

[Next month, the Lord willing, we hope to consider background information on, and God’s work of saving grace in, New Zealand.]

Perfect Union Hereafter

I have seen a field here and there stand thick with corn, a hedge or two has separated them; at the proper season the reapers entered. Soon the earth was disburdened and the grain was conveyed to its destined resting place where, blended together in the barn or sack, it could not be known that a hedge had ever separated this grain from that. Thus it is with the Church. Here it grows, as it were, in different fields, and even it may be separated by different hedges. By-and-by, when the harvest is come, all God’s wheat shall be gathered into the garner, without one single mark to distinguish that once they differed in outward circumstantials of form and order.

— AM. Toplady

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

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