Free Will

Pentecost

Running theRace. . .

Volume 56, No. 11 • May 25, 2007 THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

There is nothing new under the sunThere is nothing new under the sun

258 • MAY 25, 2007

Free Will

We are deeply concerned these days with personalinvolvement and human response

EditorialCl. Stam

And then there was this pundit who challenged meto explain in five words what Arminianism meant.Being known as a man of few words, I considered thischallenge to be an honour.

The man went on to explain that he had oftenheard of Arminianism, but had never actually seen ormet a real red-blooded, flesh and bones Arminian. Inreality, he thought, such persons simply do not exist.An Arminian is a figment of a hyper-Calvinisticimagination.

I muttered something about “free will,” but hethought I meant the movie “Free Willy.” So there wasanother obstacle to overcome. Anyway, this gave mesome time to arrive at my minute five-word definitionof Arminianism. I am still amazed that I pulled it off.

Both guns blazingI first thought that perhaps I should simply refer

him to the Canons of Dort, where he could read forhimself what Arminianism is all about. But theattention span of my pundit was already stretched tothe max. I had to do some quick thinking.

My response was as follows: Arminianism is thepropagation of free will. There, those are only fivewords. But I sensed that this on-the-spot, abbreviateddefinition did not really satisfy my antagonist. Hereplied with astonishment. “But, of course, we have afree will!” He went on to explain with more than fivewords that we play a vital role in our salvation. Dare Ideny that role? I quickly did a step backwards, not aneasy feat with a cane.

Emboldened, he went on to say that the Lord maycome to us with his entire divine arsenal, with bothspiritual guns blazing, but if we do not respondpositively, God is pretty well finished. Basically,salvation is something in which we play a major roleand have the final say. God may have his weaponsand these are not totally ineffective, but in the end theLord Jesus is shooting blanks. Ouch.

Modern pietyWe are surrounded by much piety. But much of this

piety is human-centred. We are deeply concernedthese days with personal involvement and humanresponse. And I will not deny the importance of thisaspect of faith. But surely it is not the only aspect andcertainly not the prime concern.

Sometimes you hear that overall the sermonspreached on Sunday are far below par. The worshipservices are by and large quite boring. The churchservice is too much a one-man show. There needs tobe more audience participation. The children mustbe addressed in a more meaningful manner.Traditional catechism teaching and home visitationare passé. These are sweeping statements, but theyare heard.

Modern piety requires sensitive innovation andpenetrating personality. My pundit informed me thatthere is a lot of unrest in the congregations and thatespecially the young people feel disenfranchised. Iapologize for using a grandiose term, but it is amodern one.

How does all this relate to Arminianism and thefree will? Well, free-will-thinking is very conscious ofthe fact that man must be addressed in his specificenvironment and with respect to his special gifts.After all, we must make others willing to give theirhearts to the Lord Jesus and show forth the fruit of theSpirit. Only by involving people more can we renderthem more willing to serve God.

Rev. Cl. Stam is minister emeritusof the Canadian ReformedChurch at Hamilton, Ontarioclstam@mountaincable.net

There is really nothing newunder the sun

MAY 25, 2007 • 259

A changing societyYou may add to the above that in the past few

decades society has drastically changed. We oftenhear that we now live in a post-modern world. I amnot always sure about the implications of thisdiscovery, but I, too, admit that society has changed.One needs to mention only the amazing advance ofvideo and computer technology.

Things are different than fifty years ago. Peopleare different, too, and it is important to reflect on theimpact these changes may have on our faith andworship. Society and people are much more “open” toreligious impulses, so I am told. We have to make useof new opportunities. Okay. The point of this editorialis not to quell any sincere striving for wholesome andmeaningful change.

The point of this editorial is that we must alsorealize that Arminianism thrives on the flux there isin society. Modern piety stresses the effort of manhimself. God plays a supporting role, but He neverwins any Academy Awards. Jesus is in the bus, butnot as the driver, for He is a back-seat passenger. Thependulum sways from dead orthodoxy to energizingmysticism. There’s a lot of navel-gazing in today’smutual admiration cultus.

Worship of God or celebration of man?Undone from all its precious coating and

resounding piety, Arminianism is nothing more thana proclamation and celebration of the free will ofman. So it was 400 years ago and so it is today. Thereis really nothing new under the sun.

Read the refutation of errors in the Canons (Bookof Praise, p. 564). Arminianism holds that God doesnot effectually help the will of man to come toconversion, “until the will of man moves itself anddetermines to do this.” In other words, it all dependson our (free and sovereign) will. If we do not getinvolved and want to be saved, God’s grace ispowerless. Worship is then not meant to glorify God,but to move human hearts to accept Jesus Christ.

The word “worship” (a contraction of worth-ship,giving someone what he is worth, what he is due) isfirst of all an indication of what the service must be forthe Lord (Psalm 29). We must be led in glorifying Himfor his abundant and sovereign grace. Soli Deo Gloriais still the first hymn of the church. It is embedded inthe spiritual DNA of every true Christian.

Now and then it is good to fire up the Canons. Maytheir roar be heard from the Atlantic to the Pacific, amari usque ad mare (Psalm 72).

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In This IssueEditorial – FreeWill — Cl. Stam ..............................................258Treasures, New and Old – Pentecost

— J.E. Ludwig............................................................................260Walking Together through the Valley (2)

— R. Ludwig ............................................................................261Roadside Assistance – Running the Race. . .

— J.VanDoornik ......................................................................264Ray of Sunshine — C. Gelms and E. Nordeman ......................266Education Matters – Professional Development Needed

in Our Schools —A. Kingma................................................267Letters to the Editor ..................................................................271Press Releases – Classis Manitoba,

Classis Northern Ontario ..................................................273

Regular Mail$47.00*$57.00$84.00

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Pentecost is the feast offulfilment, the beginning of theend. With Pentecost we see howfar God has come with his church.She no longer needs theannouncements and proclamationsof angels. His Spirit will lead theminto all the truth, bringing hiswritten revelation to a close andilluminating their darkened mindsso that they can discern the thingsof the Spirit, things into whichangels long to look. Through hisSpirit God Himself has come todwell in his people. That’s thegreatness of Pentecost madeknown by various signs in Acts 2.

The first part of Acts 2:4, “All ofthem were filled with the HolySpirit,” determines the characterand the meaning of the sign thatfollows. The Spirit Himself isinvisible and inaudible. . . as is hiswork. The sign, therefore, declaresthat He has come. About thatcoming Luke tells us that it wassudden and abrupt. There was nopreparatory warning. None of thosewho were gathered together coulddetermine or even second-guessthe moment of his arrival. Theyknew He was coming, but notwhen. Jesus had spoken of this daymore than once during his life onearth and after his resurrection Heeven charged his disciples to waitfor the gift which his Father hadpromised and which they hadheard Him speak about.

That the Holy would come waswell known. . . only when He wouldcome was unknown. But now that

moment has arrived. The audibleand visible signs of the presence ofthe Holy Spirit were evident, thefinal one being “and they began tospeak in other tongues as the Spiritenabled them” or “as the Spiritgave them utterance.” The wordgave is used to depict the giftnature of speaking in tongues. Thiswas not a learned experience. Itwas imparted immediately by theHoly Spirit to the believers. Thisneeds to be emphasized in contrastto the practice in Pentecostalassemblies with their “tarrying”meetings. In these meetingsgroups of people will “tarry” andbe taught how to expand theirconsciousness in order to bypassthe intellect so that they can speakin tongues, uttering unintelligiblesounds. But that is not what ismeant here in Acts. As soon as theHoly Spirit filled those present inthe house, an external effect wasmanifested. There was no period ofapprenticeship; there were nolanguage courses taught. Therewas not even time for learning.They began to speak right away.All of them.

The Holy Spirit caused thebelievers to speak out boldly. Hegave them the ability to declarewith emphasis. This bold speechdoes not designate ecstatic speech(about which Paul writes in 1Corinthians 14), but a speaking thatis distinct, loud, and clear. This wasdone “in other tongues” or, as theNRSV renders, “in other languages.”The Jews who had come to

Jerusalem from all the surroundingcountries to keep the feast ofharvest were amazed, saying, “Arenot all these men who are speakingGalileans? Then how is it that eachof us hears them in his own nativelanguage?” (2:8) The crowd detectedthat the speakers were notforeigners, but Galileans who couldnot have learned those foreignlanguages in any natural way. Thisdemonstrates that the listeners donot think they are hearing a spirit-language, a supernaturalEsperanto, but their own mothertongues. The Holy Spirit dispensedhere one of his extraordinary giftsupon the entire congregation. Theyall receive the gift of prophecy –proclaiming the gracious work ofGod through Jesus Christ inlanguages they had not studied.

With this particular gift, whichis not repeated today because it isno longer necessary, God madeknown that the middle wall ofpartition between Israel and thenations was finally removed. Theone gospel goes forth in manylanguages to many nations. God’spromise to Abraham is now beingfulfilled, “In you all the families ofthe earth shall be blessed.”

Pentecost reminds us of thejoyful obligation that we have tosupport the spread of the gospel allover the world. Pray for faithfulmissionaries who are proclaimingJesus Christ in the languages ofthe people among whom theylabour. None of them were enabledby the Spirit to speak in other

260 • MAY 25, 2007

Rev. J.E. Ludwig is minister of theAmerican Reformed Church atGrand Rapids, Michiganjeludwig@wmis.net

Treasures, New and OldJ.E. Ludwig

MATTHEW 13:52

Pentecost

“And they began to speak in other tongues.”Acts 2:4

MAY 25, 2007 • 261

“tongues” in the way the earlychurch was in Acts 2, but only afterformal training and taking specialcourses. Nevertheless, this too is agift from the Spirit. He gives peoplethe talents to learn Portuguese andFrench and any other language.

Pentecost also points us to theduties of our office and calling to

make known the mighty deeds ofGod – men, women, and childrenalike, for we are all united by theSpirit. That duty applies not just tothe Sunday but Monday throughSaturday on every terrain of life,in the home, at school, and on thejob. There is no longer one Holy ofHolies – all of life must be

sanctified for we are temples ofthe Holy Spirit. It is not an easytask to witness of Christ, but wehave the comfort of Pentecost.We do not have to undertake thisin our own strength. The Spirit hasbeen poured out. Pray in faith thatHe may equip you. . . and God willanswer you even before you call.

This seminar was recentlypresented by Mr. Ludwig inCarman, Manitoba

The grief journeyI mentioned in the beginning

that the bereaved are on a griefjourney. Grief has often beendescribed this way because itfollows a definite course. It has adefined beginning and moves intonew territory for the bereaved.Some have described this route ascircuitous, starting and eventuallyending at the same spot. I thinkthis is a poor model because asignificant loss in life requires theeventual acceptance that we do notend up in the same place, that wecannot recreate the past, that wemust allow ourselves to enter anew reality. However, we mustrecognize cyclical patterns in griefas the bereaved person reviewsand reworks the many feelings andthoughts encountered at this time.Let me illustrate by trying to give

an overview of the grief journey(sometimes called grief work). Thisis not meant to be prescriptive, butrather based on others’ research incompiling the descriptions of manypeople’s experiences.

AcceptanceWe have to understand that

bereaved people are reluctanttravelers on the grief journey. Theydid not ask for the affliction thatcauses their grief. They aregenerally unwilling or unable toinitially accept it, let alone willingto embrace it. As a result the initialsteps on this road are steps ofresistance, embodied by shock,numbness, denial, anger,frustration, and inability to focus.They may repeat phrases like,“I can’t believe it! It doesn’t seemreal. It can’t be – we were justtogether this morning! It’s all a baddream.” There is an intensiveperiod involving a continualrevisiting and questioning the

reality of the events surroundingthe death, including feelings ofguilt and a sense of responsibilityabout actions at the time of deathor prior to it. We might hear, “Ifonly I had been there. If only I hadinsisted we go to the doctor earlier.If only we had just stayed home. Ifonly I made him take better care ofhimself.” If only statements are ournatural way of trying to regaincontrol in a situation we cannotchange. . . by moving back with“if only I had done this or that”reasoning we mentally move backin time to a place where we mighthave been able to effect a changeon the sequence of events that ledto a death.

Eventually the bereaved will letthis go as they realize it cannotchange the reality of the death.These things do not happen in aset or ordered pattern, nor is thisan exhaustive list. But it is clearthat the beginning of the journeyhas much to do with accepting the

Rick Ludwig

Walking Together throughthe Valley (Part 2 of 4)

Mr. Rick Ludwig is a licensedOntario Funeral Director andowner of Kitching, Steepe &Ludwig Funeral Homelocated inWaterdown, Ontario

262 • MAY 25, 2007

fact of the loss. Until someonereaches the point where they haveaccepted the factual evidence thattheir loved one is gone, it isimpossible to move on to aresponse to this loss.

I use the term “gone” in thestrict physical and temporal sense.Scripture also speaks of the deadas those who are “sleeping.” Thisis a helpful term in that itillustrates to us that death is notfinal and that there is the fullexpectation of the awakening ofthe dead in Jesus Christ. Yet theterm is not helpful if it prevents thebereaved from facing the realitythat, in this life, their loved one isnow dead to them, and even moreto the point, the relationship theyshared has come to an end in thislife. This is crucial to a healthyChristian grief response. Thesecular response over the ages isthat the soul is immortal andremains embodied in nature, or inour memories, or in our hearts andsomehow remains available to us.This is not the Christian teaching.Those who die in the Lord are withthe Lord. They are no longer withus. This is not an easy reality tograsp. It works itself out over thejourney. We cannot rush someoneinto acceptance of this any morethan we can steer them around it.It is the first difficult step. Wecannot put a rigid timeline on thegrief journey.

ReactionOnce the difficult reality is

experienced and accepted, now thereaction follows. Again the

response is varied, but it cangenerally be described using someof the following terms.Disorganization encapsulates thisperiod in many ways. Thebereaved have had their livesturned upside down. To beconcrete, I will speak about thesudden loss of a husband or wife.What was a normal and safe livingroutine for many years suddenlybecomes threatening anduninviting. Every action and eventseems to accentuate the absence ofthe spouse instead of providingrelief or respite for an aching heart.Quite often the bereaved cannotfind refuge in their home. There isa general scrambling around tofind something that brings thesafety and security that was onceafforded in the relationship withthe spouse. It is elusive because itis gone.

There are many factors that willinfluence this response: the genderof the person, the type and depth ofthe relationship, the time ofpreparation for the death, thenature of the death, as well asmany other factors. The bereavednot only deal with the primary lossof the relationship with the lovedone but also all the secondarylosses that accompany it in adomino effect, such as loss offinancial security, loss of socialidentity, sometimes loss ofmobility, loss of hopes and dreamsand future plans, loss of spiritualsupport, loss of intimacy, and thelist can go on. In summary, thebereaved suddenly realize thatthere is a big unwelcome changein their life and they begin toscramble to cope with it. Often thisleads to over-activity when theyare already physically weakenedby the experience. This maystimulate feelings of anxiety,panic, and fear.

This all happens within theframework of being a child of God.I am not suggesting that this griefjourney assaults one’s belief inGod, although it may test it. It isclear that the child of God may feelall these emotions even whilefeeling secure in God’s care.

SadnessThe next steps on the road are

very difficult for the grieving andalso taxing for the supportingcommunity (family, friends, pastor,etc.). Quite often there is anextended feeling of spinning oneswheels. Lack of motivation,depression, sadness, emptiness,and a general unwillingness andinability to move forward, all forma response to the very realunderstanding that life haschanged irreversibly for thebereaved. This is a time that triesthe patience for those who aresupportive, for quite often theirown lives do go on, without aslarge an impact on their dailyroutine. They want to besupportive, but tire of the journey.

This is where many well meaningpeople try to divert the bereavedperson’s attention from grief workand try to offer short cuts to bypassthe grief response. They just wantto help the bereaved move on.Frustration sets in when theirefforts seem to have little effectand don’t seem to bear positiveresults. It is common that thebereaved march to a slower beatthan those around them. Thisneeds to be accepted. This is a timeof introspection and rediscovery for

Bereaved people arereluctant travelers on thegrief journey

We cannot put a rigidtimeline on the griefjourney

MAY 25, 2007 • 263

the bereaved. I would suggest thatthis is a time of significantpersonal growth, also in a spiritualway, for a grieving Christian. In2 Corinthians 5 we read aboutgroaning and being burdened inour earthly tent. Often thebereaved are very in tune with thisreality in their grief. It is notuncommon for them to experiencefeelings of wishing to join theirloved ones and having a sense ofpurposelessness in normal dailyactivities. This is not the same asbeing suicidal. It is simply afeeling of no longer knowing theirrole and calling in life. This alsoneeds to be rediscovered. A newsocial arena needs to develop, alsoamongst the communion of saintsand within the family structure.

ReconciliationThere does come a time, for

those who allow themselves towalk the grief journey, where theybegin to turn from disorganizationto reorganization. This issometimes called a period ofreconciliation. In short, thebereaved are very aware of theimpact of the loss of their loved onein their life, they are able toacknowledge and express this,and are also able to begin to make

plans for a new reality. This is nota time where pain and grief are leftbehind, but where it is openlyacknowledged and accepted as apart of living. It is also describedas a movement from a “head”acceptance and understanding ofthe death and its impact to a“heart” understanding. This isusually a time of acute mourning,

as the numbness has worn off andthe stark reality has set in. Oftenyou will hear the grieving say thesecond year is harder than the first.This is a testimony to where theyare on the journey. Over time theintensity of the pain is dulled andless frequent. There is hope for thefuture and a re-emerging sense ofpurpose for one’s life and thepossibility for commitment tofuture plans and goals returns.The bereaved arrive at a newplace that is shaped by theirgrief experience.

As I mentioned earlier, thisjourney to healthy resolution of

grief does not go in a circle. Thebereaved do not return to a formerreality, but emerge to a new place,often with a new sense of identity.It is unreasonable to expect thatone who has been in a marriagerelationship (where two havebecome one) would not have to dosome unravelling after the death oftheir spouse in order to continueon. In marriage you focus on eachother’s well being. When onespouse dies, the focus needs toshift. This takes time and energy.This takes grief work. This alsoapplies in varied ways with thedeath of a child, a parent, or asibling. The relationship of thebereaved to the deceasedinfluences the reorganization ofone’s life that needs to take placeand the emotional attachmentsthat have to be let go of. Again, thisis an area where the supportingcommunity is not always helpful.Often others resist changes in thebereaved person’s life orpersonality. Others also wish torecoup the past. They want life togo back to normal as it was beforethe death. This can lead to internalconflicts in families and amongstfriends when the need for changeis not clearly understood.

This has been a thumbnailsketch of the grief process. Thereare undoubtedly more questionsthat could be asked and answered.I hope you share in my convictionthat grief is an important andnatural part of the life of aChristian. It is part of a healthyspiritual life, as well, and canserve to strengthen one’s faith inthe Lord. In fact the opposite is alsotrue; a refusal to grieve the loss ofa loved one may leave onedesperate and confused and inspiritual jeopardy. This is wherethe role of the pastoral caregiver orfriend is a crucial one.

Grief is an important andnatural part of the life ofa Christian

264 • MAY 25, 2007

BusyI’m so busy. It seems that as

soon as I have finished racingthrough one task there is alreadyanother one crowding my agenda.There always seems to be endlessamounts of work to be done, tests,exams, school work, meetings,appointments, volunteer hours,and daily chores to do.

Have you started using phraseslike: “I’m too busy, I’m worn out,I don’t have time, and the days aretoo short”? It’s at times like thesethat you need to stop racing aroundand think. Did you forget some veryimportant things? I’m not talkingabout getting your homework done,or bringing your books back to thelibrary when they are due, or evenmaking an important phone call tocheck up on your friend. Sure theseare important things, but what I’mactually thinking of is something offar greater value. Did you forgetGod? Did you set some time asideto pray and read the Bible? Not justa hurried rote prayer or reading ashort Psalm before you run out the

door in the morning, but somethingmore personal than that. Did youtruly pray to God? Did youremember to thank Him for all Hehas given you and ask Him for yourdaily needs? Did you truly read theBible? Did you actually think aboutthe words on the page? Can youhonestly say you have completedyour devotions in those twoseconds before you run out the doorto catch the bus?

Not only during your devotionsmust you focus on God, but alsothroughout the entire day. You mustshow by your lifestyle – actions,speech, attitude – that you want toserve the one, only, true God. Godisn’t just with us for a few briefminutes either. He is alwayspresent. Is it then too much thatGod demands complete devotionfrom us all day, every day, evenwhen we are busy? No!

The raceThe Bible uses the analogy of

our lives being a race that we mustrun. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, wecan see that the purpose of our raceon earth is to get the crown thatwill last forever, the crown ofeternal life:

Do you not know that in a raceall the runners run, but only onegets the prize? Run in such away as to get the prize.Everyone who competes in thegames goes into strict training.They do it to get a crown thatwill not last; but we do it to geta crown that will last forever.Therefore I do not run like aman running aimlessly; I do notfight like a man beating the air.No, I beat my body and make itmy slave so that after I havepreached to others, I myself willnot be disqualified for the prize.

In order that we may be eligible togain the crown of eternal life, weneed to train for the race. Eachperson has their own set of hurdlesthat are placed on their track,

Running the Race. . .even through busy timesJocelin VanDoornik

We need to train for therace

MAY 25, 2007 • 265

uniquely placed there by God tostrengthen and help the runnergrow in faith. We have to run therace by the rules written in therulebook, the Bible, otherwise wewill be disqualified.

But the Bible is so big, how canwe possibly learn all the rules? Bystudying it! Who goes out onto aracecourse without first knowingwhere to go and how to reach thefinish line? The athlete cannot lookback halfway through the race andretrace his steps to fix hismistakes. So also, as we focus ourlives towards the finish line, wemust continue to strive to liveaccording to the rules, getting ridof those things which provoke us tosin and prevent us from servingGod. Paul writes about this inHebrews 12:1-3 and encouragesthrough the example of Jesus:

Therefore, since we aresurrounded by such a greatcloud of witnesses, let us throwoff everything that hinders andthe sin that so easily entangles,and let us run withperseverance the race markedout for us. Let us fix our eyes onJesus, the author and perfecterof our faith, who for the joy setbefore him endured the cross,scorning its shame, and satdown at the right hand of thethrone of God. Consider himwho endured such oppositionfrom sinful men, so that you willnot grow weary and lose heart.

Sometimes in our busy lives welose our focus and begin to veer offtrack, trying to stretch theboundaries and the rules of therace. We become so involved in ourdaily lives that we forget God,or we succumb to peer pressure,becoming lax in our ways.

Look up Galatians 51. What is Paul warning you

against? (see v. 7-10, 15-21)2. What is God’s command for

your life? (see v. 22-26)How can we maintain our focuseven when we are caught up in thewhirlwind of our busy lives? Whatmust we remember as we run therace? We must draw on thestrength of the Lord and trust inHim, because He will never leaveus and will direct us in the correctpath. Through everything weencounter in this life, God is thereto protect and guide us. He willhelp us overcome those hurdles,no matter how high they mayseem. Isaiah writes about this in acouple of passages.

Look up Isaiah 40:4-5, 28-31and Isaiah 43:1-3a1. What comfort do you find in

these texts?2. Think of a specific example

when God has carried youthrough a difficult time. Takesome time to reflect and pray toGod for his abounding love andmercy.

What else must we rememberduring the race? We must thankGod for everything He has given usand worship Him with reverenceand awe (Heb 12:28).

Even through those hard,grueling weeks and the whirlwindsthat surround us, God always cares

for us and makes sure that we havewhat we need. We can show ourthankfulness through our worship,actions, thoughts, and prayers.We should seek ways in which wecan serve God, showing our loveand care to others as God has doneto us. Not only does God want us tobe kind to others, but also toourselves. As we go through therace of life, we must not forget totake care of ourselves and ourbodies. Our bodies are temples ofthe Holy Spirit!

Are you overworking yourself?Do your job, school, committees,volunteer work, and the activitiesthat you are caught up in rule yourlife? Do you make time to spend inprayer, Bible reading, and worshipof our awesome God?

Life is a race we all run, but ithas its own set of rules. It has abeginning and an end point, butthe purpose is very unlike a normalrace. It’s not a matter of who gets tothe end first, but how we get to theend of the race. Christ has alreadycompleted and won the race for us.He has saved us from our sins, sothat when we finish the race wemay all enjoy the prize of eternallife. Live your life so that you mayecho the words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8:

I have fought the good fight,I have finished the race, I havekept the faith. Now there is instore for me the crown ofrighteousness, which the Lord,the righteous Judge, will awardto me on that day – and not onlyto me, but also to all who havelonged for his appearing.

Are you too busy to complete therace according to the rules, and inso doing, have you willingly givenup the prize of eternal life?

It’s not a matter of whogets to the end first, buthow we get to the end ofthe race

266 • MAY 25, 2007

In reflecting upon the mighty power and strength ofthe Lord as it was revealed in history, the poet of Psalm77 makes a remarkable observation. An observationwhich also forms the solution to his distress.

At the beginning of this psalm, he cried out to Godfor help, but his soul refused to be comforted. His spiritwas weak and he couldn’t see his way through life. Hewas frustrated that God was not answering his urgentprayers. When he was in such grief and torment, Godsent the Holy Spirit into his heart, that he could reflecton the mighty deeds of the Lord. In this psalm he listsall the miracles and saving acts of God towards hispeople Israel. He overcomes his fear and anxiety byreflecting on God’s power and goodness. He notes thatthe way of the Lord has something invisible about it;something mysterious and awesome, “. . .though yourfootprints were not seen” (19b).

Through God’s working in creation He shows thatHe is the omnipotent God; his ways can not be traced.He did not leave his mark as He led his people into thePromised Land. The waters returned to their formerplace and no one could see that the Lord had led hispeople in such a dramatic way.

The psalmist speaks of God’s work among hispeople. He appeared in a magnificent way in Christ’sministry, death, and resurrection. His ascension alsoshowed a mighty act of God done in all power and glory.

God also works in many awesome ways today. Theproclamation of the gospel and the call to repentanceis with us daily. His presence comes to us and upholdsus precisely when we are in despair and do not expectit anymore. Through his Spirit and Word the Lordworks his salvation on history. He confirms hispromises with the sign of baptism and helps usremember our redemption by the celebration of Lord’sSupper. He continually reforms and reshapes hischurch, also through church discipline.

He does all this and still we cannot visibly see hisways. We as sinful earthly people always like to see tobelieve. However, we simply need to believe and seeGod’s faithfulness and love in our lives. His ways areawe-inspiring, majestic, unfathomable, mysterious,

and glorious. God works in holiness. The wind blowswhere it wills, you hear the sound of it but you do notknow whether it comes or whether it goes; so iseveryone who is born of the Spirit.

So Christ’s church has comfort today. Our heartsmay be comforted knowing his presence is near. He isnear to all who call on Him in faith and will also be anever-present help in difficult days. His love is allsurpassing. We can never imagine how deep God’slove is for us. It became evident through the death ofhis only Son for our sins. By turning to God’s Word wewill see how near He is to us. We may never see hisfootprints because He is all-powerful; but his miraclesand creation are for all to see.

Let us be still and know that God still works! Hisways are unsearchable. His footprints are unseen, butHe continues in truth and righteousness to bring hispeople home! All praise and thanks to Him alone!

O may this bounteous GodThrough all our life be near us,With ever joyful heartsAnd blessed peace to cheer us;And keep us in His grace,And guide us when perplexed,And free us from all illsOf this world in the next.

Hymn 65:2BIRTHDAYS IN JUNE:17 JOAN KOERSELMAN will be 50

Box 1312, Coaldale, AB T0K 0L0

30 BEVERLY BREUKEMAN will be 452225-19th Street, Coaldale, AB T1M 1G4

Congratulations to all who are celebrating theirbirthday in June. May God bless you all richly withgood health and may He grant you an enjoyable daytogether with your family and friends.

Till next month,Mrs. C. Gelms and Mrs. E. Nordeman

548 Kemp Road EastRR 2, Beamsville, ON LOR 1B2

905-563-0380

Ray of SunshineRay of SunshineBy Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Erna Nordeman

“Your path led through the sea, your way through the mightywaters, though your footprints were not seen.”

Psalm 77:19

MAY 25, 2007 • 267

When your son or daughter hasa day off school, teachers mostlikely are having a PA or a PD day.But what does Professional Activityor Professional Developmentmean? Are teachers planning forthe next school year? Are theyworking on curriculum together?Or are they studying some video orbook on the art of teaching? Itcould be that teachers are trying tohandle “integration,” or new waysof assessment and evaluation, orother such like tasks that belong tothe profession of teaching. Throughprofessional development,teachers equip themselves toprovide covenant children bettereducation. In our Christian schools,teachers must constantly bedeveloping professionally.To make this a reality, all schoolcommunity’s stakeholders need toensure that this professionaldevelopment continues.

DefinitionsThe term professional

development can be a very generalterm. It makes a teacher extendbeyond the self to improve in theknowledge-base for or in the art ofteaching. Broadly defined then,professional development meansdeveloping as a professional in thewhat and the how of teaching.

When they hear the wordprofessional development, some

teachers, education committeemembers, or board members havethe idea of “taking courses.” In theeducational literature, you willalso find this more narrowlydefined focus. Professionaldevelopment can simply refer to ateacher’s plan to develop himself orherself by means of taking coursestowards a diploma or degree. Inthis definition, professionaldevelopment becomes verypersonal; it can exclude staffdevelopment, curriculum work, andany other activity that goes beyondthe focus of this teacher.

Another type of professionaldevelopment is known specificallyas staff development. In a staffdevelopment situation, theprincipal together with his staffdetermines an area of need inwhich all staff members candevelop. It may be that a curriculararea needs to be revised; it couldbe that students’ misbehaviourshave escalated into bullyingsituations which need to beunderstood and addressed; it couldbe that issues regarding specialneeds children need to be studiedby both classroom and special edteachers. Whatever the issue, theprincipal directs all staff to sinktheir teeth into the issue together,to understand it better, and to comeup with solutions or improvements.

Like other professionsProfessional development is not

unique to teachers. Almost allprofessions demand that theirmembers partake in professionaldevelopment. Lawyers need toreview new cases constantly; theyneed to educate themselves inrevised laws and regulations.Medical doctors need to keep upwith new drugs, procedures, andmedical studies, and not just thosein their own countries. Mechanicsneed to regularly train forunderstanding and repairing newtechnologies found in vehicles orfor developing skills to learn howto best use new equipment.Computer programmers andcomputer techies need to upgraderegularly to be able to repair,upgrade, or network computers.Trades people need to learn aboutnew products on the market, whento use them or how to install them.All seek to develop in theirprofession.

Professional development isexecuted in various ways. In mostcases, the company sendsemployees to seminars or courseson company time; however, to keepthe edge, the professionalemployee needs to educate himselfor herself on-line, or in readingjournals/books in their area ofexpertise, even in his or her own

Education MattersA. Kingma

ProfessionalDevelopment Needed inOur Schools

Mr.Arthur Kingma is vice-principal of EmmanuelChristian High School inFergus, Ontarioabkingma@execulink.com

268 • MAY 25, 2007

time. Usually, companies will payfor general expenses incurred, forexample, mileage, housing, andcourse fees. Likewise, teachersmay receive from their boardssome professional developmentdays, or they may be paid by theirschools to take workshops orcourses; however, many teachersrealize that whenever they can,they should be readingeducational journals, magazines,or books to continue theirprofessional development.Teachers, more than in any otherprofession, should realize thatchildren and adults alike must belearners. No adult is too old tolearn. Professional developmentshould be an intuitive part of ateacher’s teaching.

Following a personalprofessional plan

A teacher, based on experience,previous education andcolleagues’ advice will decide toforge ahead in a specific area ofteaching. Perhaps the teacher didnot yet attain his or her Educationdegree. Perhaps, and now I’mthinking specifically for a high

school situation, the teacher doesnot have enough knowledge in thesubject area, and wishes to pick upa Science or an Arts degree. In anycase, he or she will seek a personalprofessional development plan toobtain a higher level or broaderscope in the chosen field.

Usually schools follow astandard practice regarding theimplementation of the plan. Theteacher’s proposed personalprofessional plan will be sharedwith the principal or vice-principalin charge, given that the plan ispart of the profession in which theteacher is busy. It could be that ateacher may be involved in otherareas of learning unrelated to thearea of teaching which then wouldnot need to be shared with theprincipal, nor would it need thesupport of the school. Usually theprincipal will work with theteacher on the personalprofessional development planand will share the plan with theeducation committee of the school.In most cases, schools will thensupport the teacher by assistingfinancially or by providing time,if necessary.

Supporting personalprofessional development

Personal professionaldevelopments should always bevalued by our supportingcommunities. Knowing that theteacher desires to follow this planfor the benefit of his or herteaching should be a laudablegoal; any board, staff, or schoolcommunity would recognize thevalue of improvement. The schoolcommunity can show their supportin different ways, but across theprovinces a number of CanadianReformed school communitieshave recognized the value ofsupporting teacher’s personalprofessional developments. It istrue that in the western provincescommunities have had externalpressures, like governmentfunding, to support teachers inobtaining education degrees, but itis also true that the westernprovinces have supported otherteachers’ personal professionalplans. Ontario schools may nothave had government funding, butmost recognize the need to have allteachers fully qualified for theirteaching tasks and will supportteachers in becoming qualified.How this support is realized maydiffer from school to school.

Proper qualifications may meanfurther courses, obtaining ateaching degree or a master’sdegree or an administrator’scertificate. More than adequateknowledge of our subject matterand of didactics is a must. Properqualifications can also meantaking further courses or studies inChristian education, in teaching ina Reformed manner. One who hashis or her degrees would still bemore apt to teach in a Reformedschool if they took courses thatdeal with Reformed teaching.

MAY 25, 2007 • 269

For this reason, several westernboards have taken the initiative topromote the taking of a Reformededucation course from CovenantCanadian Reformed TeachersCollege. In Ontario, many have theCCRTC diploma already; yet forthose who have not done so, takingcourses or workshops offered bythe CCRTC would help any teacherto be fully qualified to teach in ourReformed schools.

Supporting staff developmentFor the development of the

school, personal professionaldevelopment is great, but staffdevelopment is even better! Itgenerally will yield better directresults for the school’s students,staff, and community. Allstakeholders, however, must be onboard to make the staffdevelopment a success: full-timeand part-time teachers, educationcommittee and board members,and perhaps even the parents,depending on the need. I cannotemphasize enough that staffdevelopment only works well in aschool if all stakeholders areinvolved. Obviously, staffdevelopment needs to have gooddirective, focus, and time limits too.Not so obvious, however, butequally important, is the fact thatsome staff members who want tobe busy with their personalprofessional activities may have todrop these activities for a time (orbe formally excused from them) toensure the success of the school’sstaff development project.

In most Ontario’s CanadianReformed schools, teachers followthe document called “A Model forProfessional Development” (2000)prepared by a committee of theLeague of Canadian Reformedschools in Ontario. This documentoffers four strands of professional

development. In the OntarioAlliance of Christian Schools, theteachers follow another model,more prescriptive and specific thanthe one used in CanadianReformed schools. I’m sure that ineach province, models developedby a College of Teachers, bygovernment departments, or othereducational institutes are beingused by teachers and schools.Without discussing the differencesin models, one can deduce that ineach province or in each schoolsystem, professional development,which includes personal or staffdevelopment, is important!

Is PD really needed?Some teachers and some

community members will still askthis question cynically. They mayargue that human nature doesn’tchange, nor do kid’s learning styleschange; therefore, why should theylearn anything new? Some maysee advantages in staffdevelopment but will not see theadvantage of having andsupporting personal professionaldevelopment. They may negateworkshops and methods as secularor as “tried it-done it” models.

They may be apathetic to changeof any kind. Some schoolsupporters may also cap theirarguments with an additionalnegative view about time ormoney “wasted.”

Those teachers and supporterswho look at professionaldevelopment for direct results, whocannot evaluate and discern thevalue of new teaching methods,or who are cynical of progress ineducation will never be able toanswer the question of thenecessity of professionaldevelopment in the affirmative.Yet those who seek to be life-longlearners, who want to discern anew method for its philosophy andeffectiveness, as well as those whodesire to use whatever God hasgiven to us, will seize theopportunities to grow and develop.True, the secularism in our cultureis prevalent and strong ineducational areas; but that shouldnot cause us to negate personalprofessional development. Instead,it should urge us to work harder onseeking Reformed means to furthereducate the teachers. Our teachersneed to be revitalized in purpose,in spirit, in knowledge, and infocus to remain or to becomebetter teachers.

I have a newer text for myGrade 12 history course entitledThe West and the World (Habermanand Shubert, 2002). Although itcovers the Great Reformation morethoroughly than previous texts,including a good section on Calvin,Zwingli, and other reformers, itheavily promotes a post-modernphilosophy. How did I discover thisphilosophy in the text? Anotherhigh school teacher warned meabout it. I then searched for itespecially in introductions andconclusions of the text’s chapters.I wished to have been steeped inDr. Oosterhoff’s history course, butliving too far away, I could not.So I pulled out and read her bookon Post Modernism as well as herbook entitled Ideas have History.Researching these sources in lieu

Professional developmentwork must be included inthe daily work of eachteacher in our CanadianReformed schools

270 • MAY 25, 2007

of a course has cost me time, buthas benefited me greatly inteaching the Western Civilizationcourse from a scripturalperspective. And I feel that I haveonly begun to understand my post-modern text and the place that thistext will have in my course.

Learning is an on-goingprocess. To teach, teachers need tolearn. To teach in our Reformedschools, teachers need to besteeped in Scripture and ineducational foundations. Teachersneed to be able to refute or acceptnew textbooks, new teachingmethods, or new philosophies.Teachers need to hone theirdidactic skills. Engaging teachersin these matters duringprofessional development days,workshops, or courses should bepromoted by all society membersand by every Canadian Reformedschool board.

School boards and schoolcommunities cannot afford to nothave teachers engaged in staff orpersonal professionaldevelopment. While the questionwhether it is really needed shouldalways be answered with aresounding “yes,” the questionwhether it is always done must beanswered with a very cautionary“sometimes.” The excuses of beingtoo busy, of not having courses ordecent workshops available, or of

not having the funds to be engagedin it, are either indicative of apathyamong teachers or are genuineexcuses. Good teacher are oftenbusy in the evenings, workshopsare not always available, and costsare often prohibitive. Likewise, thelack of a contractual agreementswhich include professionaldevelopment, allows teachers toslip out of it. While most teacherssee the need for it, most teachersneed a better system to guide andpush them into doing it.Professional development workmust be included in the daily workof each teacher in our CanadianReformed schools.

Christian teachers need toteach understandingly, faithfullyand professionally. To do so,teachers constantly need to beengaged in professional

development. Schools and theirsupporting communities mustsupport them to make on-goingprofessional development asuccessful reality. So when you seethe teachers busily working onyour son’s or daughter’s day off,tip-toe quietly by so not to disturbthem, or stop in to share yoursupport.

The Education Matters column issponsored by the Canadian ReformedTeachers' Association East. Anyonewishing to respond to an article writtenor willing to write an article is kindlyasked to send materials toClarion or toOtto Bouwmanobouwman@cornerstoneschool.us

We cannot afford to nothave teachers engaged inprofessional development

Church NewsChurch News

Effective immediately the mailingaddress for the Grace CanadianReformed Church at Winnipeg,Manitoba will be:

211 Rougeau AvenueWinnipeg, MB R2C 3Z9

MAY 25, 2007 • 271

Re: Congregationalism by Rev. E. KampenI appreciate Rev. Kampen’s desire for a balanced

approach to the relationships we have as churcheswithin a federation. Indeed, we should not bestaunch supporters of congregationalism or“independentism” on the one hand, or synodicalhierarchy on the other. It is a joy to be able to visitsister churches within the federation and togenerally know what to expect. We share a commonsong book, a fairly similar form of liturgy, and even acommon approach to the writing and delivery ofsermons. We should be very grateful for these things.However, the examples that are used to emphasizeour unity as federation are somewhat curious.

The example used is: “Is there a willingness toaccept the conclusion of a synod that anotherfederation is faithful or do they see the need toaccept the ministers or members from such afederation on a case by case basis, perhaps, in thecase of ministers, seeing the need to subject them toa special screening interview?”

First of all, it is very possible that a federationcan be recognized as faithful, but that does not meanthat every single congregation or minister in thatfederation remains faithful. I understand that, forpractical reasons, we recognize a federation asfaithful based on its synodical decisions, but itcertainly strikes me as odd that we seldom hear howdecisions are being practiced. Do we not really carewhat lives in the federation, as long as theirsynodical decisions remain orthodox?

Second, why would it not be commendable for aconsistory to get acquainted with a minister before hebegins preaching on a pulpit over which a consistoryhas oversight? Just because a minister comes from afederation of churches that we recognize as faithful,does not mean that he has a right, by that very fact,to preach in our churches. He certainly may beinvited, as per the rules for Ecclesiastical Fellowship,but who preaches on the pulpit must remain theresponsibility of the consistory.

We also read that “accounts can be heard ofpeople who submitted an attestation but who wererequired to attend membership classes and perhapseven make a public statement of faith before theywere considered members.” For various reasons,I applaud this idea. Again, I recognize the bond thatwe have in a federation and so this practice may beunnecessary, but members from other federationswho would like to join us, might do well toparticipate in membership classes.

If I were to become amember of aPresbyterian church,who admittedly havesome form ofconfessionalmembership, then Iought to study and takeclasses in theirconfessions. I think theopposite is also true. Ifwe suggest that wemaintain the need for confessional membership, thenit would make perfect sense that those who come froma Presbyterian background should receive classes inwhat the church confesses in the Three Forms of Unity.It seems odd that we could receive them asmemberswhen they may never have read the Three Forms ofUnity. Have we just given up on confessionalmembership? I understand that by requestingmembership in a church within our federation, theysubmit themselves to theWord of God, summarized inthe confessions, but shouldn’t they knowwhat thatmeans before they are members?

With brotherly greetings,Chris deBoer

Smithville, ON

To the Editor of Clarion:I was dismayed when I read the letter to the

Editor from my brother Martin. I assume it is theproposed union of the URCNA and the Canadianand American Reformed Churches he refers to.As for the liberation of 1944 from the GNK church inThe Netherlands: yes, it was ugly. But do you thinkthat the separation from the CRC in 1995 wasless painful?

Here we have two church federations that arefaithful to Scripture and confessions and both bearthe marks of a true church. How can you say that theCanadian and American Reformed Churches mightbe destroyed by a false union? A false union no less!Is this not a slap in the face to the faithful brothersand sisters of both federations? Should we not beoverjoyed and thankful to the Lord that these unitytalks are really happening? That thereby we alsoheed the command of the Head of the church “thatthey may be one”?

What happened in 1892 has nothing to do withthe proposed union (which, among other things, waspromoting the doctrine of presumptive regeneration).Neither federation is promoting this doctrine.

Letters to the Editor

272 • MAY 25, 2007

Then he goes on about the combined song book,changes to the Church Order, and the seminaries.There are committees working on all these issues.Let’s give them a chance to do their work before westart condemning it.

You mention the saying “goed gereformeerd,” thatis, “good reformed.” I’m sorry to say, Martin, yourletter wasn’t. Also, I don’t think either federation isrunning headlong into a union. As I recall talks havebeen going on for some ten years now.

Yours in Christ,George Van Bostelen

Member of Trinity URC, Lethbridge, AB

Dear Editor,I read with interest the March 30, 2007 Clarion

column “News from the College.” I was particularlyinterested to read that the Board of Governors isasking the upcoming synod to “approve the creationof a fifth professorship. . . and to come with aconcrete proposal for an appointment to Synod 2010.”

I have some questions and comments about this.First, why wait until 2010? Knowing a bit about the

current workload of the professors now at theCollege, I can see no reason why there has to be adelay until 2010. I am sure there are candidates whocould very ably fill a professorship sooner than thatand thus relieve the workload much sooner. Or arethere specific candidates we are waiting for?Second, I wonder why the newly createdprofessorship is recommended in the Biblical andTheological Studies area. From my understanding,this then is mainly in the languages area. However, Ithink our College, students, and churches would bebetter served if there was an additional professorappointed for more practical studies. Our Collegehas a good academic standing and reputation, but,in my opinion some more work needs to be done onits “practical” program. This practical area wouldemphasize preaching, mission, evangelism, churchplanting, youth ministry, music ministry, etc. Hence aprofessorship as soon as possible in that area ofstudies would, in my opinion, serve the federationmuch better.

Tom ZietsmaHamilton, ON

Letters to the Editor should be written in a brotherly fashion in order to be considered for publication.Submissions need to be less than one page in length.

The Theological College, Hamilton, Ontario

MAY 25, 2007 • 273

Press Release of ClassisManitoba of the Canadianand American ReformedChurches held March 23 2007in Carman, MB

OpeningOn behalf of the convening

church of CarmanWest, Rev.A.J. Pol opened the meeting. Herequested the singing of Hymn 47:1,2, read Psalm 33, spoke a fewmeditative words, and led in prayer.He then welcomed the delegates.Besides the primary delegates ofthe churches the following fraternaldelegates were present: Br. KenCavers of Providence URC,Winnipeg; Rev. Ralph Pontier ofRedeemer URC, Orange City, IA,and Rev. Edward Huntington of theOPC, Bismarck, ND.

Rev. Pol noted that Rev. K.Jonker has retired from full-timeservice as minister of the GraceCanadian Reformed Church inWinnipeg and that both Winnipegchurches are now in need of aminister. The Winnipeg Redeemerchurch has called Rev. J. Poppe.He wished both churches God’sblessing. Rev. Pol also noted withgratitude that pastor D. M. Boersmaof Denver recently became marriedto Sr. Rinette Werkman.

The credentials were found to bein good order. The church at Denverwas represented by one elder due toscheduled time away for theminister of Denver in connectionwith his recent wedding.

Classis was then constitutedwith the following officers: Rev. P.H.Holtvlüwer, chairman; Br. HenkMoorlag, vice-chairman; Rev. Pol,clerk. After a few items wereadded, the agenda was adopted

The following fraternaldelegates were seated: Br. Caversas representative of ProvidenceURCWinnipeg; Rev. Pontier asrepresentative of Classis Central US

of the URCNA, and Rev. Huntingtonas representative of the Presbyteryof the Dakotas of the OPC.

ReportsThe report of the classis

treasurer was received andaccepted with gratitude.

The church at Carman Westreported that the books of thetreasurer had been found in goodorder. The church was thanked fortheir work.

The church at WinnipegRedeemer reported on theinspection of the classis archives.One item will need follow-up. Thechurch was thanked for their work.

There was no report on contactwith the provincial government.Rev. Jonker was thanked for hismany years of service in this area.

The church at WinnipegRedeemer reported that the booksof the Committee for Aid to NeedyChurches had been found in goodorder. Classis thankfully receivedthe report.

In closed session church visitorreports for the churches ofWinnipeg Grace, WinnipegRedeemer, Carman East, andCarman West were read andreceived with thankfulness.After each report was read anelder-delegate offered a prayer ofthanksgiving and intercession forthe particular church.

Instructions from thechurches

The church at Carman Eastrequested to formally recognizewith thankfulness Rev. Jonker’sfifteen years of service among thechurches in this classical district.Classis granted this request anddecided to send a letter of thanksto Rev. Jonker.

The church at Winnipeg Gracerequested that Rev. Pol beappointed church counsellor of

Winnipeg Grace. This request wasgranted.

The church at Winnipeg Gracerequested classical pulpit supplyfor one Sunday per month duringits vacancy. This request wasalso granted.

Question period as per Art 44C.O. was held. All churchesresponded that the ministry of theoffice-bearers is being continuedand that the decisions of the majorassemblies are being honoured.No churches requested advicefrom Classis.

Addresses by fraternaldelegates

Br. Cavers brought greetingsfrom Providence URC in Winnipegand expressed appreciation for theincreasing contacts between thechurches. The chairman respondedin kind. Also from the CanadianReformed Churches there isappreciation for the blossomingrelations.

Rev. Pontier then broughtgreetings on behalf of ClassisCentral US, URCNA. Heencouraged the CANRC and URCfederations to keep workingtowards unity and expressed thehope that roadblocks may beremoved. Rev. Holtvlüwerresponded with the hope that theLord will bring the federationscloser together in peace. He thenoffered prayer for the URCNA.

Rev. Huntington broughtgreetings on behalf of the OPCPresbytery of the Dakotas and withgratitude emphasized the visibilityof the unity between the OPC andCanadian and American ReformedChurches. Good interactions are inparticularly present in Denver. Br.T. Termeer responded with words ofappreciation and led in prayer.

A letter of greeting from theRCUS Northern Plains Classis sentby Rev. Lee Johnson was read.

Press Releases

274 • MAY 25, 2007

Br. W. van Beek offered prayer forthe RCUS.

CorrespondenceIncoming letters from Grace

Canadian Reformed Church,Winnipeg and from Rev. Jonkerwere discussed. A letter will besent to Rev. Jonker.

AppointmentsThe church at Denver was

appointed the convening church forthe next classis, to be held in theCarman East church building onJune 22 or Sept 28 at 3:00 pm.Suggested officers for the nextclassis are Rev. Pol, chairman;Rev. Holtvlüwer, vice-chairman;Rev. Boersma, clerk.

The appointments for standingcommittees, classical deputies, andchurch visitors were reviewed andchanges were made where needed.

Personal question period wasnot made use of and the chairmannoted with thankfulness thatcensure according to Art 34 of thechurch order was not needed. TheActs of Classis were read andadopted and the press release wasread and approved.

After Hymn 40:1,2 was sung thechairman led in prayer and themeeting was closed.

Henk Moorlag(vice chairman at the time)

Press Release of ClassisNorthern Ontario March 23,2007, held at Grand Valley,Ontario

On behalf of the conveningchurch of Grand Valley Br. M.Brouwer called the meeting toorder. He asked the delegates tosing Psalm 119:1 and 13, read fromTitus 2, and led in prayer.

The delegates from FergusMaranatha examined thecredentials and found them to bein order. Classis was declaredconstituted and the officersproposed by the last classis tooktheir places, Rev. Vermeulen aschairman, Rev. Geurts asvice-chairman, and Rev. VanWoudenberg as clerk.

The chairman noted that sincethe last classis Rev. Feensta hasaccepted a call from the church ofGrand Valley. Owen Sound isremembered since they will soonbe vacant. Rev. Vermeulen is

considering a call by the DarlingDowns congregation of the FRCA.After these items of memorabiliathe agenda was adopted.

Classis received a report on avisit made by Rev. E. Kampen andBrother A. VanRaalte to ClassisSouthern Ontario March 21, 2007 ofthe URCNA.

All the churches affirmed thatthe ministry of the office bearers isbeing continued and that thedecisions of the major assembliesare being honoured. None of thechurches requested the adviceof Classis.

A proposal was received fromthe church of Guelph requestingthat Classis overture RegionalSynod East 2007 to amend theregulations of Regional Synodregarding the duties of theconvening church. After discussionthis proposal was adopted.

The church at Guelph wasappointed to convene the nextclassis on June 22, 2007 at 9:00 am.It was proposed that Rev. Agemaserve as chairman, Rev. VanWoudenberg as vice-chairman,and Rev. Vermeulen as clerk. Theconvening church was appointedto invite observers from theURCNA and ERQ and to sendobservers to the next classisSouthern Ontario of the URCNAand the next synod of the ERQ.

Question period was made useof. Censure according to Article 34C.O. was not necessary. The Acts ofClassis were adopted. The pressrelease was approved.

The chairman requested thatClassis sing Psalm 147:1 and 6, ledin prayer, and then declaredClassis closed.

For Classis,Rev. W. Geurts,

vice-chairman at that time

The Canadian Reformed Church ofCarman West, Manitoba

MAY 25, 2007 • 275

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5

With thankfulness to our Heavenly Father we joyfully announcethe birth of our daughter

CHLOE BRIECHLOE BRIEBorn April 5, 2007

Darryl and Leanne VanDasselaarProud grandparents: Pieter and Grace VanDasselaar and

Rieks and Janna DeVink5323-54A Street, Barrhead, AB T7N 1E4

This is the LORD’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. Psalm 118:23With thanks to our heavenly Father who made all things well,

we joyfully announce the birth of our daughterARIEL JANEARIEL JANE

Born April 10, 2007Ralph and Jane Vis

Also welcomed by big brothers Jaden and KeeganThird grandchild for Bert and Joan Vis

24th grandchild for Ernie and Jane Schulenberg20 Grant Street, Dunnville, ON N1A 1Y1

rjvis@sympatico.ca

The LORD is righteous in all His ways and loving toward allHe has made. Psalm 145:17

With joy and thankfulness to our heavenly Father, weGary and Pam Nijenhuis (VanBeek), along with excited siblings

Jaydon and Ciara, announce the birth of our third child, a little girlAVA BRYNNAVA BRYNN

Born on April 17, 20077 lb 8 oz, 20 1/2"

3rd grandchild for Albert and Janice VanBeek8th grandchild for Gary and Mary Nijenhuis

RR 3, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvellousare your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm:139:14

Named after his maternal grandparents and because all thingsare possible with God, we announce that

PETER LLOYDPETER LLOYDwas born unto this life on February 25, 2007Welcomed with thankfulness by his family:

Will and Gloria Faber, Aleana, Ethan, and Matthewwilliam_faber@telus.net

Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because ofyour love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

With thankfulness to God we, Adrian and Sylvia VandenHaak,joyfully announce the birth of our son

NATHAN ADRIANNATHAN ADRIANBorn on April 23, 2007

A brother for Bridgette, Jolene, Meagan and Kerri#37 51214 RR 260, Spruce Grove, AB T7Y 1B1

He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenantforever – holy and awesome is His Name.

Psalm 111:9God has again richly blessed us by entrusting into our care

two covenant children through adoption.We have named them

SHANE ROBERTSHANE ROBERTBorn November 1, 2003; Joined us one year later;

Adopted April 19, 2007and

VANESSA BREANNEVANESSA BREANNEBorn October 24, 2005; Joined us one day later;

Adopted April 19, 2007Bob and Janine Janssens (Ravensbergen)

Thankful big sister Kayla4268 Nauvoo Road, Watford, ON N0M 2S0

Martin and Marlene Sanderse of Brampton, ONwish to announce the engagement

of their only daughter

HEATHER BRONWYN SANDERSEHEATHER BRONWYN SANDERSE

toto

IAN MARK REPETSKIIAN MARK REPETSKIson of George and Lucille Repetski of Toronto, ON

Heather is the eldest granddaughter ofRoy and Jenny van de Kamp of Surrey, BC

Wedding to take place, DV, summer of 2007 in Toronto, ON

With heartfelt joy and thankfulness we,

LEANNE ELIZABETH SCHOUTENLEANNE ELIZABETH SCHOUTEN

andand

WESLEY PAUL THALENWESLEY PAUL THALENAlong with our parents

Dick and Nell Schouten and Jake and Linda Thaleninvite you to join us, the Lord willing,

June 16, 2007 at 1 p.m. in theChilliwack Canadian Reformed Church,

to witness the exchanging of our vows, as we desire tobegin our lives together, before the Lord.

Rev. C. Bouwman officiating.Future address:

9496 Corbould Street, Chilliwack, BC V2P 4A8

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Advertisements:Advertisements:Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (withOpen House) should be submitted six weeks in advance.

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BIRTHS

WEDDINGS

ADOPTIONS

ENGAGEMENTS

276 • MAY 25, 2007

1972 ~ May 20 ~ 2007Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

With praise and thanks to the Lord, we are pleased to announcethe 35th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parents

and grandparents

HARRY SCHOLTENSHARRY SCHOLTENS andandBETTY SCHOLTENSBETTY SCHOLTENS (nee Hofsink)(nee Hofsink)

To God be all Glory and Praise!Kempville, ON: Zwany and Patrick Havenaar

Devon, Kyle, Lindsay, StevenYork, ON: Hilda and Wayne Bartels

Jessica, Jamie, Kerri† , Kenton, KarlyHamilton, ON: Jenniefer and Robert Oostdyk

Emma, JosieDundas, ON: John and Melaine Scholtens

NatalieHamilton, ON: Adrian and Teri Scholtens

Livia2123 Meadowbrook Road, Burlington, ON L7P 2A6

hhvschol@sympatico.ca

40th Wedding Anniversary1967 ~ June 3 ~ 2007

Keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy ofour Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude: 21

With joy and thankfulness to our Father in heaven,who has kept them in His care and in good health,

we announce the 40th Anniversary of ourparents and grandparents

JOHNJOHN andand WILHELMINA KOTTELENBERGWILHELMINA KOTTELENBERG (nee Doekes)(nee Doekes)Orangeville, ON: Gary and Lori Kottelenberg

Kayla, Katie, Juanita, Christina, SarahCarl KottelenbergAnne and Rob Bouwers

Josh, Sheri, Brett, Taryn, TiffanyNieuwerbrug, MaryLynne and Henk vanderWindThe Netherlands: Lydia, ThomasOrangeville, ON: Brian and Melissa Kottelenberg

Braden, Merrick, KenyaLeo and Joni KottelenbergRobert Kottelenberg

335185 7th Line, RR 7, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z3

Groningen 1967 ~ Beamsville 2007Psalm 121:8

With thankfulness to God for His guidance and protection,we, the children of

BERTBERT andand ANKY STULPANKY STULPshare with you that our Papa and Mama will have been married

40 years on June 14 2007.At that time we will also celebrate their retirement after almost40 years of teaching and serving in Christian schools, as well asPapa’s 65th birthday. We pray that the Lord will continue to workin their lives, to keep them and bless them as they serve Him in

our midst. To Him be the Glory!Sibrand and Adria Stulp, Brandon, Jeremy, Joel, Lauren

Jan-Willem and Jane Stulp, Anika, Kristen, Tarin, Gavin, Jayden, WesleyMargeeske and Mark Davies, Alistair, Genoa, Liam, Stephen

Alexander and Kathy Stulp, Siera, KyraPieter Stulp

5114 Meadowood Road, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B8bertandanky@sympatico.ca

45th Wedding Anniversary1962 ~ June 22 ~ 2007

…and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you… Ephesians 5:2aWith joy and thankfulness to our Father in heaven,

who has shown His steadfast love and faithfulness to them,we announce the 45th Wedding Anniversary of our

parents and grandparents

JOHN BUITENBOSJOHN BUITENBOS andand GRACE BUITENBOSGRACE BUITENBOS (nee VanderSluis)(nee VanderSluis)Grand Rapids, MI: Rita and Chuck Possett

MatthewChip†LaurenLeahEthan

Marit and Tom ManningStephanieHeatherZacharyJoseph

Audrey and Vince VollettTravisTylerKaylaAlecia

Yarrow, BC: Joanne and Dan LieuwenCoreyShaneDeannaJoelJaredKaylee

Lynden, WA: Ray and Hannah BuitenbosJordanLukeAlexaKentonSerenaLevi

Rockingham, Sonya and Des SwartsWestern Australia: Kyle

SageLeanne

631 Union Court, Grand Rapids, MI 49548

ANNIVERSARIES

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MAY 25, 2007 • 277

June 3, 1972 ~ June 3, 2007He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will

be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26With great thankfulness to our Heavenly Father for His love and

faithfulness we may celebrate, D.V., the 35th Wedding Anniversaryof our dear parents and grandparents

JOHNJOHN andand MARY VANDERHOEVEN (MARY VANDERHOEVEN (nee Lofnee Lof))We pray that the LORD will bless you and continue to give you

strength as our lives are in His hand.With love from your thankful children and grandchildren:Balkbrug,the Netherlands: Ann-Marie and Theo DeHaan

Marko, Rick, Joni, EllenRichmond Hill, ON: Helena and Bruce DeBoer

Veronica, Edward, Luke, Delaney, Cari, JacquelynDunnville, ON: Jay and Denise VanderHoeven

Kendra, Tianna, MadelynBruchterveld,the Netherlands: Janine and Martin LamberinkSmithville, ON: Brian and Karen VanderHoeven

BraedynAttercliffe, ON: Amanda VanderHoeven and Christoper DeBoer

OBITUARIES

BUIKEMA-FABER, MARTHA BOUWINABUIKEMA-FABER, MARTHA BOUWINAPeacefully at Shalom Manor, Grimsby on Tuesday, April 17,

2007 the Lord called Home a remarkable mother, grandmotherand great-grandmother, Oma Buikema. A woman who showed

us what it really means to live a full, rich and joyous life.What a role model she has been for our family. And while herlight may have been extinguished, she’ll always be there as abeacon to guide us. Born in Waddinxveen, The Netherlands on

July 6, 1904, she was the loving wife of Jakob Buikema for55 years until his death in 1988. She immigrated to Burlington

in 1951 where she made her home.Predeceased by her daughter-in-law Ann Buikema-Werkman,

and son-in-law Gus Buist;brothers: Gabbe and Sip; sisters: Hiltje, Wina, Co and Sien.She was a loving mother of Ken and Christine Buikema,of Burlington, John and Henrietta Buikema of Beamsville,Bini Buist of Burlington, Alice and Gary Veenman of Elora

and Bert and Eve Buikema of Burlington.Loving Oma of 28 grandchildren and 78 great-grand children.Without exception, they all sensed the special privilege ofhaving her as their grandmother and great-grandmother.She in turn loved them deeply and prayed quietly for theirsuccess and faithfulness in GOD. That knowledge will staywith all of us. She will be remembered for the immense loveand warmth she had for her family, for the strong values

she instilled in them, for her calm demeanor in times of crisis,for her great cooking, her love of singing and

playing the organ when she was able.She was especially devoted to her faith.

Martha will be deeply missed by her family and friends atShalom Manor in Grimsby.

Visitation at Kitching, Steepe and Ludwig Funeral Home,146 Mill Street North, Waterdown, on Thursday from 2-4 and7-9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at the Ebenezer Canadian

Reformed Church, 607 Dynes Road, Burlington onFriday, April 20, 2007 at 1:30 p.m.

Rev. Chris Bosch officiating.Internment at Greenwood Cemetery, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Anchor Home for theHandicapped would be sincerely appreciated by the family.

Special thanks to the staff of ShalomManor for their care of Mom.Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings of eagles; they will run and not growweary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31.

50th Wedding Anniversary1957 ~ June 7 ~ 2007

. . .En hij bracht se tot Adam . . .And He brought her to Adam.Genesis 2:22b

With joy and thankfulness to our heavenly Father who haskept them in His care, we announce the 50th WeddingAnniversary of our dear parents and grandparents.

May God continue to bless them in the years to come.

JOHN ARIEJOHN ARIE andand TETJE HORDYK (TETJE HORDYK (nee Kamstra)nee Kamstra)Burlington, ON: John and Connie Hordyk

Vanessa and Mike DeBoerShayna Hordyk and Tom AasmanMadeline Hordyk and Kyle VanAndelJennaOlivia

Waterdown, ON: Jackie and Ed DantumaLindsay Dantuma and Mark HuttenRobin and John SchulenbergKayleyNicholas

Burlington, ON: Mel and Nancy HordykAdamJeffKimberlyCarrie

Len and Jackie HordykKevinLianaAdrianAmber

Ancaster, ON: Jennifer and John NobelsChristiaanBenjaminJoshuaMakayla

Address: 83 Thomson Drive, Waterdown, ON L0R 2H4

278 • MAY 25, 2007

PROVIDENCE REFORMED COLLEGIATEInvites applications for three definite openings as

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

in the areas of Science, Math, English, History, ComputerStudies and French for the 2007/2008 school year.

Full and part-time applicants will be given consideration.

Providence has a student body of 100 students in grades9-12. Now in its 10th year, the school is located a few minutes

west of London in a recently built facility.

Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field ofReformed Christian education, who submit to Scripture assummarized by the Reformed Confessions, are invited tosubmit a resume, a statement of faith, a statement of your

philosophy of education, and letters of reference(including one from you church consistory) to:

Providence Reformed CollegiateP.O. Box 114 – 93 Queen Street, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0

For more information contact the principal,

Mr. Roger Vanoostveenat (519) 471 0661 (school), (519) 264 2575 (home),

or e-mail prc_principal@rogers.comTEACHING POSITIONS

NEEDED1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

1 ELEMENTARY / JUNIOR HIGH TEACHERDue to the happy circumstance of significant growth

projections, the Board of the Covenant Canadian ReformedSchool at Neerlandia invites applications for 2 teachers for

the 2007–08 school year.Applicants must be confessing members of the CanadianReformed Church or a sister church and must possess a

Bachelor of Education degree.

We are a rural K-12 school with a projected 2007 studentenrolment of 170.

Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks, a good benefitspackage, small class sizes, a terrific staff, a supportive

membership and Board, and a low cost of living within anhour drive of big city conveniences.

Inquiries should be directed toHarry VanDelden, principal, at:

School: (780) 674-4774, Home: (780) 674-3704e-mail: hvd@xplornet.comApplications should be sent

attention: Mrs. Sonya Van LeeuwenCovenant Canadian Reformed SchoolPO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

Advertise inThe Board of the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School (in theBulkley Valley) invites applications from certified teachers who

are a member of the Canadian Reformed churches, UnitedReformed churches, or sister churches, for the position of

PRIMARY TEACHER (K-2)for the 2007/2008 school year.

There are possibilities for either full time or part time work.

We are looking for a teacher that:• loves God and his covenant children.• sets and maintains high personal standards• is professional in their work• knows how to have fun• understand the responsibility they are entrusted with

as teachers, and continually strive to submit theirwhole life to God.

If you meet the above criteria we urge you to contact us aboutworking at ECRS.

• Great kids• Fabulous preachers• Beautiful scenery and world-class outdoor activities• Friendly church and local community

If you have questions please callor email the principal, Derek Stoffels,

at work: (250) 847-3492; principal@ebenezerschool.com.

To apply please email your application to the principalor mail it to:

The Education CommitteeEbenezer Canadian Reformed School

Box 3700, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0

Check our website for a “taste” of the school:www.ebenezerschool.com

Check www.town.smithers.bc.ca for information on thecommunity the school is located in.

OBITUARIES

Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have theright to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Revelation 22:14The Lord has taken up to Himself into heavenly glory our dear

sister-in-law and aunt

JOHANNA KUIKJOHANNA KUIK (nee Tiggelaar)(nee Tiggelaar)November 30, 1925 – April 9, 2007

We pray that the God of life may comfort Uncle Gerry and hisfamily in the knowledge that His covenant promises

to Tante Jopie are fulfilled and she now is awaiting theunification of her soul with a glorified body at the day of

resurrection. Come Lord Jesus, Maranatha!Enschede, Neth: Trijntje Tiggelaar (nee Roskam)Nijverdal, Neth: Wubbo and Fenny BoitenHasselt, Neth: Hans and Geppy Tiggelaar and familyAmersfoort, Neth: Harm and Rita Janssen and familyCarman, MB: Gerry and Marry van Dijk and family

MAY 25, 2007 • 279

Reach for your dreams in Alberta!

Apply for any of the following teachingpositions with Parkland Immanuel

Christian School in Edmonton, Alberta.

Alberta: where growth and opportunity abound in a land ofmountains, prairie and big sky.

Due to upcoming vacancies, the Canadian Reformed SchoolSociety of Edmonton, operating Parkland ImmanuelChristian School, invites applications for the following

positions:

FULL TIME ELEMENTARY TEACHERFULL TIME JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH TEACHER

FRENCH TEACHERA University Degree is a requirement for these positions. For

further information please contact the Principal,Mr. R. Van Delft

Phone: (780) 444-6443 (school); (780) 458-0433 (home)Applications should be directed in writing to the school:

Personnel Committee, c/oParkland Immanuel Christian School

21304 35 Avenue, NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 2P6

EBEN-EZER CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOLCHATHAM ONTARIO

The Board invites applications for

GRADE 3/4 TEACHERfor the 2007/2008 school year. We seek interest from teachers

with a sincere love for the Lord and a strong desire toeducate His covenantal children.

Eben-Ezer Christian School has an enrolment ofapproximately 50 students, K to 8, with 5 full-time staff.

Our school has a low student to teacher ratio and excellentworking relationships between teachers, principal, boardand school society. Our church is soundly Reformed andwarmly welcomes new members and their families.

Chatham and surrounding area is free from the stressassociated with large city centers as well as being a very

economical place to live and raise a family.For further information contact the principal,

Mrs. Carol Bos519-354-1142 (school); 519-695-2445 (home)

519-354-2159 (fax); email: cokkie@netrover.comPlease send resumes and applicationsto the Education Committee Chairman

Allan Bergsmac/o Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed School

485 McNaughton Avenue East, Chatham, ON N7L 2H2

The Niagara Reformed Christian Education Associationwhich operates Heritage Christian School

invites applications for the following openings for the2007/2008 academic year.

GRADE 5 TEACHERGRADE 8 TEACHER

We welcome applications from enthusiastic, dedicatedrookies or seasoned veterans looking for a positive change.

Heritage Christian School, in the heart of the NiagaraPeninsula, serves a K-12 student body of over 550 students.We are blessed with a dedicated and supportive Christian

community, a cohesive, professional faculty andstaff of +

= 44 persons, and beautiful, modern facilities.Qualified applicants, who seek to serve Jesus Christ in the areaof Christian education, and who submit to Holy Scripture asinterpreted by the Reformed confessions, are encouraged toapply. Please submit a résumé, with a statement of your

philosophy of education, a statement of faith, and references,including one from your current pastor.

Please forward inquiries and/or applications to:Mr. A. Ben Harsevoort, Principal

Heritage Christian School2850 Fourth Avenue, Box 400

Jordan Station, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0Phone: 905-562-7303, Home: 905-664-1234

Fax: 905-562-0020Email: principal@hcsjordan.ca or

hrsvrt@cogeco.caCheck our website at www.hcsjordan.ca for a

school profile.“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” Psalm 127:3

WORK&LeisureEdited by Cornelis Van DamandKristen Kottelenberg Alkema

What actually is working? How would youdefine it? The answer seems elusive in an age when the cell phonemakes it possible to strike a deal on the beach and when the everpresent laptop computer makes staying in touch with businesspartners easy even when away from the office. Work invades our timeat home and activities more likely associated with the home areentering places of work.

What defines leisure time? What is a responsible Christian approachto using opportunities for leisure? Is God’s idea of rest the same asthat of the culture in which we live?

Soft cover, 75 pages Can. $ 8.00 . . . . U.S. $ 6.75

ISBN 0-88756-087-3

ORDER FROMYOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM

PREMIER PUBLISHINGOne Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5

BURLINGTON REFORMED STUDY CENTRE

Work and Leisure in theLife of a Christian

Work and Leisure in theLife of a Christian

280 • MAY 25, 2007

MAY 25, 2007 • 281

Love the car you’re with!We’re here to keep your vehicle running:

Wheel alignment, brakes, tires and the whole kit ’n kaboodle.

Bert’s Auto & TiresBert’s Auto & Tires requires individuals who are interested inAPPRENTICING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN TRADE.

We are also looking for anADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/SERVICE WRITER/PARTSMAN.

No previous training required for either position.

We offer a great working atmospherewith fellow Reformed believers, and competitive wages.

If interested, please apply, with resume at16623-111 Ave, Edmonton AB T5M 2S2

or e-mail at bertauto@telus.net

Phone: 780-484-1034– Henry VanderVeen –

Airfare / Cruises / All-Inclusives / Travel Insurance

Call us for our Europe, Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii– Air, Hotel and Cruise Specials

“Best Fares to Amsterdam”

Visscher’s Travel & Cruise Ltd.Toll Free:1-800-811-2388

Tel: 604-530-6771Website: www.visschertravelcruise.com

“Give Us a Try Before You Buy for All Your Travel Needs”BC. Reg. #25414

Thank you!During the past number of years our FOREIGN STUDENTBURSARY FUND was able to support two students fromabroad. We are now in a situation in which no new

student qualifying for this bursary has applied for thecoming year. Thanks to the generosity of many, we stillhave sufficient funds to start supporting new students.

While we are waiting for the Lord to direct additionalqualified applicants to us we are discontinuing the

solicitation of funds. We wish to thank all those whoparticipated by giving to this bursary. We hope to be

able to resume our activities in the near future.

Theological Collegeof the Canadian Reformed Churches

282 • MAY 25, 2007

Escarpment RealtyIndependently Owned and Operated

370 Wilson Street EastAncaster, Ontario L9G 4S4

Bus: (905) 304-3303Fax: (905) 574-1450Res: (905) 648-7705

Email: jvanandel@cogeco.ca

serving Ancaster, DundasHamilton and surrounding areas.

John van AndelSales Representative

MEMBER

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ARE YOU A LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC?Would you like to earn a

Competitive Wage with Benefits in a Safe Working Environment?

Neerlandia Co-op has aFULL TIME POSITIONin the Service Centre

Please send resumes to:Neerlandia Co-op, Service Manager

Pieter DejongPO Box 188, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

or fax: 1-780-674-4488 • phone: 1-780-674-4419

Hutten Collision Centre Inc. is a prominent collision repairfacility in a small Southwestern Ontario town, where there are

2 churches and a school with grades K-12.We are inviting applications to fill an opening for a

LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR TECHNICIAN

Qualified individual should have excellent time managementskills and the ability to work in a team environment.

Please forward your resume to:John Hutten @ Hutten Collision Centre Inc.645 St. David Street N., Fergus, ON N1M 2K6

Fax: 519-843-7827E-mail: huttencollision@hotmail.com

Women’s League Day in the Fraser Valley

The hosting society of Maranatha would like to extendan invitation to you to attend the

Annual Women’s League DayD.V., Thursday, June 21, 2007

If you are in the area please join us for a day ofBible study and fellowship

Time: 10:00 a.m (coffee at 9:30)Place: Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church

12300-92 Avenue, SurreyTopic: Throughout the Generations: Bridging the Gap

NOW AVAILABLE

C O V E N A N TCanadian Reformed Teachers College

HAMILTON, ON

ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2007The Board of Covenant College invites applications fromprospective students for the 2007-2008 academic year.The College offers teacher training programs to preparecandidates for teaching positions in the K - Grade 10 range.Admission Requirements:For the 1 - year Diploma of Education Program:

a suitable university degreeFor the 3 - year Diploma of Teaching Program:

a grade 12 diploma with university equivalence.Prospective candidates are invited to contact the College for moreinformation and/or to obtain an enrolment package. Those whoplan to seek admission in the year 2008 are also encouraged tocontact the College as soon as possible.Visit our website: www.covenantteacherscollege.com

Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers CollegeLocation: 410 Crerar Drive, Hamilton, OntarioTelephone: 905-385-0634 Fax: 905-385-8409E-mail: covenant@covenantteacherscollege.comPostal: 1576 Upper James Street, P.O. Box 30026

Hamilton, ON L9B 2Y5

MAY 25, 2007 • 283

TinkeringwithCreation?The Promise and Perils ofGenetic Engineering

Edited by Cornelis Van Dam

The possibilities of human ingenuity and scientific advances seem to belimitless in our day. Plants are genetically modified to produce food thatmeets predetermined criteria. Basic building blocks of life are beingmanipulated for healing diseases and improving health. However, thesame basic techniques are used to produce cloned animals and there ismuch talk about doing the same with humans. Such scientific activitiesraise many questions.

Soft Cover, 112 pages . . . . . . Can. $ 8.25 . . .U.S. $ 6.75

ISBN 0-88756-082-2

ORDER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM

PREMIER PUBLISHINGOne Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5

BURLINGTON REFORMED STUDY CENTRE

TIN

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The Promise and Perils ofGenetic Engineering.

The Promise and Perils ofGenetic Engineering.

TreasuresNew and OldExploring theRiches of Scripture

by Jack De JongDr. De Jong’s passion was to search the Scriptures and tobring its treasures new and old to the attention of God’s people.With his insights into God’s Word he was able to encourage,instruct, and comfort many when his meditations were firstpublished in Clarion. His work retains its value and can be used forpersonal Bible study and devotions as well as for group study intoGod’s Word.

Soft cover, 292 pages . . . . Can. $13.00 . . . U.S. $11.00

ISBN 0-88756-085-7

ORDER FROMYOUR FAVOURITE BOOKSTORE OR FROM

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Towards theMaturity of Faith

by Clarence StamIn this book, Clarence Stamdiscusses the letter of James, thebrother of the Lord Jesus Christ. Hesees as the theme of the letter: growingtowards the maturity of faith. Ourfaith may not be static but should bedynamic, leading us to walk closer with God everyday. This is a book for Christians who want to grow towardsmaturity in faith. It can be used for combined Bible Study ordaily devotions.

Soft cover, 274 pages . . . . Can. $15.00 . . . U.S. $15.50

ISBN 978-0-88756-089-7

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PREMIER PUBLISHINGOne Beghin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 3X5

MAY 25, 2007 • 284MAY 25, 2007 • 284

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Music to make you ponder.

13 Songs to inspire and make you think.

Melodies and lyrics to arrest the minds of all ReformedChristians and to cause us to sit up and count our

blessings anew.

Do you needsomething refreshing to listen to?

Order the new album

Stranger in the MidstRELEASED BY BRIAN BOSCH

online at www.brianbosch.net

Peter BuitenwerfSales Representative

Serving Niagaraand surrounding area since 1987

1-800-461-0493

Bus: 905-957-5000 Res: 905-386-6678Fax: 905-957-1085 Email: peterb@royallepage.ca

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