NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, & EVENTS

CHURCH NEWS

MINISTERIAL CALLS

Declined:

By Rev. J. Spaans of Norwich, Ontario, to the congregation of Urk, the Netherlands.

By Rev. J. van Eckeveld of Zeist, the Netherlands, to the congregation of Clifton, New Jersey.

By Rev. J. den Hoed of Rock Valley, Iowa, to the Grand Rapids, Michigan, congregation of Covell Avenue.

By Rev. C. Hogchem of Borssele, the Netherlands, to the congregation of Lethbridge, Alberta.

OBITUARY

VAN DRIESTEN, Elizabeth — Age 99, May 12, 1994; Fort Macleod, Alberta; Husband - Martinus (deceased); Children - Joe & Corrie Van Driesten, Bill & Wilma Van Driesten, and Maas (deceased) & Riek Van Driesten; 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren. (Rev. P. Bazen, Elder G. Feyter - Psalm 89:47a & Romans 6:23.)

HARSKAMP, Bert — Age 84, April 27, 1994; Sioux Center, Iowa; Wife - Agnes; Children - Lila Van Ravenswaay, Donna & Vernon Beernink, Ardith & Cornie Bleeker, Carla & Jim De Ruyter, and Joanne & Douglas Ellis; Brothers - Jake, Gerrit, and Ed; Sister - Alyda Vande Vegte; 21 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren. (Dr. J. Beeke - Romans 7:14-15.)

Curatorium Meeting

The Curatorium for our denomination hopes to meet on Wednesday, June 22, 1994, in Grand Rapids, the Lord willing. May many prayers be made in the congregations and in our homes for the Lord’s blessing upon their meeting. Of Manasseh we read, “He besought the Lord his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed unto Him: and He was intreated of him, and heard his supplication.” May we be enabled to do likewise.

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 halfway 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, 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 T0L 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.

NETHERLANDS 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.

Youth Conferences

Classis Midwest

Classis Midwest hopes to hold a Youth Conference, the Lord willing, on Saturday, July 23, 1994, at the Netherlands Reformed Christian School in Rock Valley, Iowa. The theme for this day is Hedonism — the doctrine that pleasure is the chief good in life — and how this way of life which is so prevalent today is contrary to Scripture. God’s Word teaches us that true happiness can only be found in losing our own lives and purposes and following after God and His ways as He has opened in Jesus Christ. Speakers scheduled for the conference are Rev. J. den Hoed and Student A. Vergunst.

Those desiring lodging accommodations are requested to contact Gary Bakker of Rock Valley, phone (712)439-2594, or Ronald Maassen of Sioux Center, phone (712)439-1043. It is hoped that many may be able to be present together on this occasion.

Other Conferences

As announced in the May issue, conferences are also scheduled, the Lord willing, in Classis East for July 2, 1994, to be held in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and in Classis Far West for July 19 through July 22 and for August 16 through August 19. Those desiring information about these conferences may refer back to the May issue or may call the persons involved with coordinating the arrangements. For Classis Far West contact Mr. C. Les, (604) 794-3772, or for Classis East contact Jennifer Bednarski, (201) 694-7122 or Karen Wesdyk, (201) 445-0147.

IN MEMORIAM

Mr. Bert Harskamp

On April 27, 1994, it pleased the Lord to take from the midst of family and congregation the former elder, Mr. Bert Harskamp, at the age of 84 years. He had served the congregation of Sioux Center for 31 years, 3 years as deacon and 28 years as elder. Mr. Harskamp had been especially active in the distribution of books for the Book and Publishing Committee of our denomination. He had attended the services the preceding Sunday, but died following surgery. May the Lord graciously comfort his sorrowing widow and family in their sudden bereavement. Again the message comes to us, “Therefore be ye also ready.”

50th Anniversary

The Lord willing, on June 30, 1994,
our parents, grandparents,
and great-grandparents,

Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Vandenberg

hope to commemorate their
50th wedding anniversary.
It is our wish and prayer
that the Lord may be near and
dear unto them always.

Box 47
Diamond City, Alberta
Canada T0K 0T0

She Sent the Doctor Away

The story is told of an invalid child in a large city. This child had been helplessly ill for some time. The family doctor has given the family only one gleam of hope for recovery. He gave them the name of a famous medical specialist in another city who had made an intensive study of the particular disease. If the family could afford it, perhaps this one doctor could make it possible for the child’s health to be restored. The mother’s heart was yearning to take her child to him, but the family could not afford it.

One day during a severe storm, a man took shelter on the front porch of the home where this sick child lived. The mother did not like the idea of a total stranger using her home without permission. She rebelled against such an intrusion. In anger, and with vigorous words, she asked the stranger to leave.

However, the very next day, to the mother’s surprise, she read in the local newspaper an unusual human interest story. A medical convention was in session in the city. It was the custom of one of the doctors attending the meeting to take vigorous walks for exercise. As he was walking, a sudden change came in the weather. Stranded, he stepped up on a porch to get out of the storm. The news article stated that, although he was one of the greatest doctors of that time, the mother of the home had ordered him away from her door.

As the mother read this article, she discovered that she herself was the guilty person. She also discovered something else. The only doctor in the world who might have been able to help her child was the one she had ordered away from her door! Do we do this also for the only remedy for our eternal good?

— Adapted from Cheering Words

IN MEMORIAM

Rev. P. Honkoop 1928 — 1994

Rev. P. Honkoop
1928-1994

No doubt you will understand that our thoughts multiply as we look back upon the life of our brother. It was not unforseen that his life came to an end. On January 1 of last year he was unexpectedly brought to the hospital. At first it was thought that it was a heart attack, but it was soon evident that there was another cause. After various tests, it was shown that there was a malignant tumor in the large intestine, which had already spread to the liver. This explained his tiredness during the prior months, but at the same time indicated that there was no hope for recovery. Peacefully and calmly he accepted this. It was good what the Lord did. And thus it remained the entire time. After the tumor was removed, he was given a series of chemo treatments until September, which, to all appearance, brought surprising results, even to the extent that he could partially perform his duties in the congregation and theological school.

In September he underwent another operation, as his gall-bladder had to be removed. After this the treatments were discontinued, as they no longer were effective. From that time on he declined in health; however, for quite some time he did continue to preach once on Sundays, for which he really expended his remaining strength. It was for us and his family inconceivable where he obtained the strength, but he himself said, “If I am but on the pulpit, it goes well, but when off the pulpit, I receive my burden again.”

It was an unforgettable year for the congregation. Since he was enabled to experience so much of God’s love and grace, this might also resound in his sermons. I have visited him many times, and was often jealous of him because he was enabled to live so close to the Lord and experience so much of God’s favor. In parting with him, he said, “We lift the head aloft; we’ll wear the victor’s crown.” Even to the end he said to his wife and children, “The Lord is good.” Regarding his body, the last days were not easy and were very painful, but under it all it remained true, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

It was his express desire that the funeral and all that would be involved with it be as plain and simple as possible. He said, “No honor is due me, but to the Lord alone.” The loss is great, especially for his wife and children. It is also a empty place in the congregation of Kampen, where he served more than twenty-eight years. It is a loss for the Theological School and for the entire denomination in the Netherlands. However, for him personally it was certainly an eternal gain. (The above portion was written by his brother, Rev. A. F. Honkoop.)

The funeral service was led by his brother, Rev. A. F. Honkoop, in the church of Kampen where he had served so many years. Rev. Honkoop spoke briefly from John 12:26b, “And where I am, there shall also My servant be.” This text speaks of Jesus and His servants, and it was considered in three aspects: 1) Who the speaker is; 2) About whom He is speaking; and 3) Of what He is speaking.

The words are spoken by the Great Prophet and Teacher shortly before His passion and death. He is the Son, the Savior, the Surety. He had spoken to His Father, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God.” For this reason He had come upon the earth. In brief, He brought forth a perfect salvation and peace.

He is speaking about His servants. The Greek refers to a “servant of the church.” But to be a true servant of the church, one must first personally be won over by Christ. How can this take place if, for a sinner, which all are, there is no change or improvement possible? Is he not in a continual aberration, serving the prince of darkness? Yet...God seeks, God invites, God draws. Your minister has often had you sing and he himself has done so to the very end, “Through Him, through Him alone.”

Christ speaks of “where I am,” which is heaven, that is, in the presence of the Father. The way to God has been opened, “In My Father’s house are many mansions....I go to prepare a place for you.” What a comfort is the portion of a servant of Christ: “Where I am, there shall also My servant be.”

In accordance with his request, only one other minister spoke, namely, Rev. K. de Gier, who had much contact with him in the Theological School. Also Elder J. Regterschot spoke in behalf of the consistory. At the cemetery the moderator, Rev. M. Golverdingen, spoke a few words, after which the minister’s oldest son expressed their thanks . He described his father as a man of few words, but of much prayer. May the Lord Himself fill the empty place.

CURRENT EVENTS

ACOG Endorses Non-Physicians Performing Abortions

In a recent National Right to Life News it was reported that the American College of Obstetricians became the first national doctors’ organization to endorse training non-physicians to perform abortions. This is designed to expand access to abortions nationwide. This comes at a crucial moment for two reasons. First, it will appear to reduce abortion costs, thereby helping facilitate fitting abortion into proposed national health care plans. Secondly, the abortion industry is facing a shrinking pool of physicians who are both willing and trained to perform abortions.

Indecent Broadcasting Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Again

Government rules banning the broadcasting of indecent programming from 6 a.m. to midnight were ruled unconstitutional by a three-member panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The court said the ban was too broad and infringes on the First Amendment rights of broadcasters, so thwarting the efforts of the FCC and Congress to the contrary. It is a sad commentary indeed when judges interpret the Constitution in a way whereby they feel it gives man a “right” to sin.

Kevorkian Seeks Doctors’ Backing

The Grand Rapids Press reports that minutes after being cleared of assisting in a suicide, Dr. J. Kevorkian called on other physicians to join him in organizing a string of suicide centers. He said fifteen doctors are ready to come forward and draft strict guidelines for the network, where terminally ill people can end their suffering and donate their organs if they choose. Kevorkian was acquitted of helping Thomas Hyde, 30, kill himself last August 4. “I think this will open the floodgates for Jack Kevorkian. It was up to the jury to stop him,” said Lynn Mills of Operation Rescue, which opposes assisted suicide. The jury slid Kevorkian through a legal loophole, concluding his main intent was to relieve Hyde’s suffering, not cause death.

A Protest of Pakistani Christians

The National & International Religion Report states that thousands of Pakistani Christians marched through Lahore demanding that Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto repeal a law that requires the death penalty for blasphemy against Islam. Demonstrators also called for the arrests of three alleged Muslim extremists who shot and killed a Christian accused under the blasphemy law. Minority legislators are also calling for a change in the law.

Systematic “Cleansing” of Protestants in Russia Coming Soon?

A recent issue of the National & International Religion Report states that brutal persecution of Protestants is increasing steadily in the former Soviet Union. A systematic “cleansing” of Protestants, similar to that experienced by all faiths under Stalin, could occur soon according to Boris Perchatkin, an evangelical Christian and former Soviet dissident. As order breaks down in Russia and the surrounding republics, strongmen attached to the Muslim and Russian Orthodox establishments are filling the power void. “The danger to foreign missionaries is great in certain areas,” said Perchatkin. Protestantism is seen as an American plan to interfere, with the sinister motive of stealing Russia from the Russians. “The worldwide euphoria in recent years over Russia’s freedom is fading,” Perchatkin told Baptist Press. But as his organization, the Russian American Institute for Adaptation, uncovers increasing evidence of persecution, “this horrible picture is forming. We have a very short time.” Perchatkin warned U.S. congressmen, advisers to President Clinton, and State Department officials that many Russian Christians fear for their lives and are ready to leave. He brought signatures of 700 Protestant families who would leave immediately if Western nations would take them.

Public School Discriminated Against Churches

A federal appeals court ruled that school districts discriminate against churches when they charge them higher rents to use their facilities. The Fairfax County (Va.) School Board had been charging churches from two to five times as much as other nonprofit groups that rented for the same time period. After a certain period of time the churches were expected to move elsewhere. The board could be liable for more than $1.1 million in overcharges to eight congregations, according to news accounts.

Pro-Prayer Amendment Deleted from Goals 2000

The Washington Watch reports that during the Goals 2000 debate the Senate approved 75-22 a pro-prayer amendment and the House voted 345-64 to instruct its members on a House and Senate conference committee to accept the Helms language. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Congressman Bill Ford (D-Mich.) then deleted the Helms amendment. This enabled the politicians to tell the public that they voted for school prayer even though it didn’t show up on the bill.

DC Board Won’t Let Church Feed Hungry

As reported in the American Family Association Journal, a District of Columbia zoning board said that feeding people is not the church’s primary function. The board will not allow Western Presbyterian Church to feed breakfast to homeless people. Residents had told the city they did not want undesirables, whom they said the feeding program would attract to their neighborhood. Pastor John Wimberly argued that the church has an inherent right and duty to feed the poor. Western Presbyterian has appealed the ruling. The conflict could become a test case for the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It requires government to prove there is a “compelling state interest” in regulating religious institutions.

R.V.S.

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