La Broquerie, Manitoba

For many years it has been my desire and prayer for the extension of the church, not only in the mission field, but also in North America. Having heard for several years from others of a group which met in Manitoba, in the vicinity of Winnipeg, we often prayed that the Lord would open a door to become acquainted with them. However, a request was never received.

At church visitation in Norwich, the usual question was asked: whether the consistory and congregation labored in locations other than the organized church. It was acknowledged that nothing was being done officially, but that we would welcome an invitation from those who desired to hear the truth. This later caused us concern and prayer for direction, especially as to whether it would be right to make the initial contact, or whether we should await a call from them at the Lord's time, so that we would not be stepping ahead of the Lord.

However, on April 1, 2000, after seeking direction of the Lord, we received freedom to call them, even though they were strangers to us. We explained that Elder T. Nieuwenhuyzen and I would soon be traveling by plane to Alberta by way of Winnipeg, and that we would like to pay a short visit. It was our intention to spend the night in Winnipeg, and then, the Lord willing, to rent a car to travel to La Broquerie. When we informed Mr. T. Van Velthuizen of our plan, he insisted that he would pick us up at the airport and invited us to stay in his home. We expressed a willingness to have a church service that evening if they desired, and he immediately welcomed this suggestion.

It was therefore on May 1 that we made our first visit. It was humbling and touching to hear that Mr. and Mrs. Van Velthuizen and their family had waited twenty years for such a telephone call and visit. No other minister had ever been there. That evening the service was attended by about fifty persons, young and old, in the building that served as their place of worship. It was a portion of a machine shed, which had been remodeled to serve as their church building. Ties were formed that evening, and upon leaving the next morning, we parted from one another with deep feelings.

Services there are in Dutch, although there was a willingness on their part to have English services also. During the month of July, we again visited them and conducted an evening service. In the last part of August, the group met and agreed to ask for a meeting with us to align themselves with our denomination. Therefore, in September we met with the male members, at which time we explained that they could either join an existing congregation, or approach Classis to become an organized congregation. Due to their location, if organized into a congregation, they would become part of Classis Midwest. It was their unanimous decision to become a branch of the congregation of Norwich for the present time.

On a visit early in December with Elder A. Scherpenzeel of Norwich, we visited each family; we spent a Sunday with them, preaching at three services. We accepted the membership papers of nine adults and the baptismal certificates of thirteen children, and examined twelve other adults who desired to make public confession of faith. There were sixteen children for whom the parents desired baptism. This information was brought back to the consistory of Norwich, and the names were presented to the congregation for approval.

On January 5, 2001, Elder Scherpenzeel of Norwich, Elder Nieuwenhuyzen of St. Catharines, and I made another visit there. On Friday evening there was a church service. On Saturday morning we met with the male members, urging them to seek the Lord's blessing for that which was to take place the next day. That Sunday morning twelve persons made public confession of faith, and in the evening the sixteen children were baptized. That day some from the Netherlands were present, as well as some from Ontario and Alberta. It was a special day for them and for us.

May the Lord's blessing rest upon the addition of this group, and may He receive all the honor and glory. We pray that the future may prove that the Lord has had a divine purpose in it for the building up of His kingdom. Where the Lord works, the devil will also work, but the Lord will maintain His own work. Our ministers are encouraged to preach for them when possible, and we ask the prayers of the denomination for this group which has been added to us.

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