NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

Ministerial Calls

Extended:

To Rev. J. Spaans of Norwich, Ontario, by the congregation of Uddel, the Netherlands.

To Rev. J. den Hoed of Rock Valley, Iowa, by the congregation of Lynden, Washington.

To Rev. A. M. den Boer of Sunnyside, Washington, by the congregation of Oud Beijerland, the Netherlands.

To Rev. C. Vogelaar of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, by the congregation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Declined:

By Rev. C. A. van Dieren of Stolwijk, the Netherlands, to the St. Catharines, Ontario, congregation.

By Rev. A. M. den Boer of Sunnyside, Washington, to the Lethbridge, Alberta, congregation.

OBITUARY

DE BRUIN, Albert — Age 74, February 25, 1994; Rock Valley, Iowa; Wife — Henrietta; Children — John De Bruin, James & Sue De Bruin, Bradley & Brenda De Bruin, Mary & Gerrit Koenen, Elaine & Jerrold Van Roekel, Kathy & Marvin Schelling, and Betty VandeHoed (deceased); Brothers — Gerrit and John P.; Sisters — Marie (Postma), Helena (Niemeyer), and Irene (Rietsma); 33 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren. (Rev. J. den Hoed — Hebrews 9:27-28.)

KREFT, Dirk — Age 77, March 7, 1994; Coaldale, Alberta; Wife — Jannigje; Children — Margaret & Aris Slingerland, James & Nelleke Kreft, Peter & Lia Kreft, Tony & Nellie Kreft, Trudy & Louie Bouma, Rick & Dorothy Kreft, John & Rita Kreft, and Mary & Dick Van Harben; 34 grandchildren. (Rev. A. M. den Boer — Romans 5:19.)

KUIPER, Lorraine — Age 81, March 4, 1994; Kinnelon, New Jersey; Husband — Hendrick; Sons — John, Hendrick, & Joseph; Daughters — Jacoba (Verland) & Lorraine (Birsch); Brother — Henry Verbeke; Sisters — Adriana De Graaf, Nell Kuiper, & Marie Easterhoff; 17 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild. (Rev. C. Vogelaar — Psalm 103:15-17.)

VAN EE, John — Age 73, February 18, 1994; Coaldale, Alberta; Wife — Gerritje (deceased); Children — Jane & Jake De Peuter, Anne & Wieger Siebenga, Jeanette & Martin Jr. Slingerland, Gerda & Les McDaniel, Christine & Gerald Bron, Arlene & Henry Bakker, John & Caroline Van Ee, George Van Ee, and Albert Van Ee; Sisters — Reina (Vallendgoed), Christine, Korie (De Kruif), Hennie (Van Maanen), Jane (Swaart), and Rita (Papworth); Brother — George; 24 grandchildren. (Rev. H. Hofman — Psalm 130.)

VAN REEUWYK, Adrianus J. — Age 78, March 16, 1994; Chilliwack, British Columbia; Wife-Elizabeth; Children — William & Marion van Reeuwyk, Lena & Gary Walker, Jane & Abe Ruitenburg, and Ada van Reeuwyk; Sister — Adri (van der Pol); Brother-John (deceased), 13 grandchildren. (Rev. H. Hofman — Psalm 62:8.)

In Memoriam

After a remarkable and lengthy illness, Mr. Dirk Kreft passed away in Lethbridge on March 7, 1994, at the age of 77 years. Many prayers were sent up for him these last years, as he was bedridden for about two and a half years. So often he was at the point of death, even before this last illness, and yet the Lord preserved him so long. It is true, as Rev. A.M. den Boer said at the funeral, that there were those who had work with him and also those who had hope for him.

He was among the first immigrants in Lethbridge in 1949, and was one of the founders of our congregation. In 1954 he was chosen as deacon, and he served faithfully for nearly twenty-four years. It was a period of time beset with difficulties, which did not leave him unconcerned. Such burdens are best felt by those who must carry them.

To the Lord belong the issues of life and death, as was evident in Mr. Kreft’s life. He died at God’s appointed time, and not a moment sooner. May the Lord remember the widow, children, and grandchildren.

With opening Rev. A. M. den Boer led the funeral service, speaking from Romans 5:19, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous.”

The Lethbridge consistory

“My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure” Isaiah 46:10b.

CURATORIUM ANNOUNCEMENT

As was announced last month, the Curatorium hopes to meet on Wednesday, June 22, 1994, beginning at 9 A.M., in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Lord willing, with those who have received a consistorial attest with respect to either:

1. a ministerial calling or

2. a ministerial-missionary calling.

Any male member of our denomination who may be persuaded that the Lord has called him for the labor in His vineyard must first contact his local consistory. Upon such a request, the consistories of vacant churches should notify their moderator for his counsel prior to granting an attest. In turn, the consistory which grants an attest should forward this request to the clerk of the Curatorium prior to May 15, 1994. The clerk is Rev. J. den Hoed, 824 18th Avenue S., Rock Valley, Iowa 51247. A list of questions will then be sent to the consistory involved for completion by them.

May the Lord be pleased in these dark and difficult times to gladden us with His deeds by calling and sending laborers into His vineyard. It is our prayer that He might give us the leading of His Spirit to guide us aright and to bind upon our hearts the great need of the many vacant congregations. May the soul cry be that the Lord might yet perform wonders to the honor of His Name and the salvation of never-dying souls.

On behalf of the Curatorium,
Rev. J. den Hoed, clerk

TEACHERS NEEDED

CALVIN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Lethbridge/Ft. Macleod, Canada

Looking forward to the 1994-1995 school year, the Lord willing, the schoolboard invites applications from qualified teachers for their school in Monarch. Monarch — where is this place? The school is situated in the midst of farmland, approximately half-way between the congregations of Fort Macleod and Lethbridge, an hour’s drive east of the Rockies, and a good hour’s drive north of the Montana border. We hope we may receive applications for the growing number of children in our school. Experience is an asset, but not a must. Students in their final year of teacher preparation are also very welcome to apply.

We have a place for you if you can teach in any of the following areas:

lower elementary
upper elementary
special education
junior and senior high school, any subject,
but especially English, science,
mathematics, computer, home
economics, industrial education, and
business education

For more information, phone Mr. A. H. Verhoef, principal, (403)381-3030 (school) or (403)381-4434 (home). Send applications to the secretary of the schoolboard, Mr. A. M. de Wilde, P.O. Box 142, Monarch, Alberta, Canada TOL 1M0.

EBENEZER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Ebenezer Christian School is in need of a full-time teacher for the 1994-1995 school year, the Lord willing, covering grades 5-8 (subjects to include math, spelling/vocabulary, and reading). Certification preferred, but not required. Those interested may contact Mr. David Vlietstra, W5126 Pilgrim Lane, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin 53020. His phone number is (414)894-7907.

REHOBOTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Norwich, Ontario

We are taking applications for three full-time elementary teaching positions for grades 3-6 for the coming school year. Those interested in teaching at our school at another grade level are also kindly asked to respond. For information or for an application, please contact Mr. Martien C. Vanderspek, principal, at (519)863-2403 (school) or (519)863-3119 (home), or Mr. Henry Scholten, president, at (519)468-2714 (home).

Presently we are also investigating the possibility of starting a program in the near future for handicapped children in our community (pending approval of the church society). We are looking for an interested, qualified teacher to give us advice and possibly help us set up the program. For further information please contact the persons shown above.

PLYMOUTH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

Grand Rapids, Michigan

At the elementary level we anticipate, the Lord willing, a need for one full-time instructor and one part-time instrustor in the middle elementary grades for the school year 1994-1995. Interested certified instructors are encouraged to contact the principal, Mr. David Engelsma, at (616) 458-4637, as soon as possible for further information and an application form.

Our high school is in need of certified teachers in grades 7-12 for the 1994-1995 school year, D.V. Combinations of subjects are possible, with an emphasis on English and math. Qualified persons should contact the principal, Mr. Richard J. TenElshof, at (616)454-9481, as soon as possible.

Completed applications should be sent to the respective principals as follows:

Mr. David Engelsma
Plymouth Christian Elementary
1000 Ball Avenue, N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Mr. Richard TenElshof
Plymouth Christian High School
965 Plymouth, N.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49505

NETHELANDS REFORMED CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Rock Valley, Iowa

An industrial arts teacher is needed for grades 7-12 for the 1994-1995 school year. For information or an application form please contact the school at 712 20th Avenue, Rock Valley, Iowa 51247, phone (712)476-2821, Mr. Harold Schelling, principal.

Anniversaries

The Lord willing,
on April 27, 1994,

Mr. and Mrs. K. Van Den Brink
of Norwich, Ontario,

hope to commemorate their 40th
wedding anniversary with their
children and grandchildren.

May the Lord remember them
together with their loved ones
on this special occasion and
in the future.

R. R. #1.
Salford, Ontario
Canada N0J 1W0

The Lord willing,
on May 4, 1994,
our parents and grandparents,

Rev. and Mrs. L. Kieboom

hope to commemorate their 35th
wedding anniversary. It is our
wish that the Lord remember
them in all things needful for
body and soul.

Commit thy way unto the Lord:
trust also in Him: and He shall
bring it to pass. — Psalm 37:5

316 Kwanzan Drive
Lynden, WA 98264

CURRENT EVENTS

H.R. 6 Amendments Passed

In a recent communication with Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI), he reported that “during the week of February 21, 1994, the Capitol Hill switchboard and congressional offices were besieged with telephone calls and faxes.” Private school teachers, parents, and homeschooling parents were calling to express their strong opposition to the precertification amendment, which required all private school teachers as well as home-schooling parents to be state certified in the subjects they teach. However, when H.R. 6 was brought to the floor, Chairman Ford (D-MI) offered an amendment stating that “nothing contained in this act shall be construed to affect home schools.” The House adopted the amendment 424-1.

The House also adopted an amendment by Rep. Richard Armey (R-TX), by a vote of 374-53, which clarified that nothing in the Act is to be construed as “permitting, allowing, encouraging, or authorizing any federal control over any aspect of any private, religious, or home school, whether or not a home school is defined as a home school or private school under state law.” The national grassroots campaign was crucial in preserving the rights of private schools and home-schooling parents. May we have thankful hearts and give the praise and honor to the Lord. There are forces at work in the political sphere that are bent on destroying the Christian fabric of our society. We must be watchful and prayerful, looking up to Him who alone is able to help us. Let us pray that our children and grandchildren will still be able in the future to be educated by Christian parents and teachers; we can’t take that right for granted.

China Increasing Restrictions on Religious Activity

According to the National & International Religion Report, China is increasing restrictions on religious activity among foreign visitors and its citizens. The official press agency, Xinhua, reported that Premier Li Peng signed decrees into law January 31 forbidding foreigners from proselytizing or “establishing religious organizations, organs for managing religious affairs, or centers or schools for religious activities.” Foreigners may continue to conduct their own private worship services. Another law bans house churches not registered under the Protestant and Catholic associations officially recognized by the government. Laws also limit what can be done inside registered churches and ban sermons that “disturb the public order.” Analysts in Washington expressed surprise at the decrees, coming at a time when the Communist-ruled country’s favored-trade status and human-rights record are under review.

Texas and Virginia Calling for Prayer in Public Schools

The National & International Religion Report states that Texans are calling for reinstatement of voluntary prayer in public schools. Commissioners and city councils recendy have been decrying the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court decision banning school-sponsored prayer as an important factor in the deterioration of American religious and moral beliefs. Galveston officials are the latest to endorse such a statement. In the past six months, 134 Texas counties and more than 50 cities or towns have adopted similar resolutions. The Virginia House of Delegates approved two bills regarding student prayer in public schools. The first clarifies that students may “voluntarily engage in student-initiated prayer” so long as they uphold the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, and do not interfere with church-state separation. The second directs the attorney general and state Board of Education to draft guidelines on the rights and restrictions “relating to prayer and other religious expression” in public schools.

Court of Appeals Rules Homicide Laws Apply to the Unborn

NRL News reported recently that the Oklahoma Court of Appeals ruled that a “viable” fetus’s death can be prosecuted as a homicide, even if the death was accidental. This rejected the antiquated “born alive” rule which stated that the fetus was only considered alive if it were born alive. It is so perversely ironic, though, that the court stated clearly that such a law does not apply to “constitutionally protected abortion.” To even the simplest mind, this ruling clearly contradicts itself, but such is the fallen reasoning of man when he rejects God’s standards.

Health Care Plan is Pro-Abortion

In a recent issue of National Right to Life News it states that the current Clinton Health Care Plan would make abortion a guaranteed “basic health benefit.” This means every woman could have any number of abortions for any reason and the government would guarantee her access to them. Because federal law would declare abortion to be a “guaranteed benefit,” no health insurance policy could be sold if it did not include abortion on demand. In order to receive government approval, local health care plans would have to establish facilities to provide abortion on demand — even in the many communities where no abortionists currently practice. Undoubtedly, the number of abortions nationwide would skyrocket. You are urgently requested to contact both your Congressional representative and your Senators to strongly oppose any proposal or bill which would fund abortions with tax dollars or government-mandated “premiums.” Remind them that currently most states do not pay for abortions with tax funds, abortion is not covered in most private health plans, and we oppose the federal government forcing states or private insurers to do so.

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