This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, January 19-25, 2020

Today, January 19, is the third Lord's Day of 2020; we may note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

We are gravely told by some that “Christ did indeed die; but he did not…purchase forgiveness and eternal life for us certainly: his death only puts us into a salvable state, making God placable and pardon possible.” The whole efficacy of his sufferings, according to them, depends on our being towardly and complying…having first qualified ourselves for his aid by a performance of certain conditions required on our part…According to this scheme…the adorable Mediator, instead of having actually obtained eternal redemption for his people and secured the blessings of grace and glory to those for whom he died; is represented as bequeathing to them only a few spiritual lottery-tickets, which may come up blanks or prizes…His obedience and sufferings stand for mere cyphers [zeroes] until our own free-will is so kind as to prefix the initial figure and render them of value. I tremble at the shocking consequences of a system which…sinks the Son of God into a spiritual huckster who, having purchased certain blessings of His Father, sells them out afterwards to men upon terms and conditions!…Who then art thou O man, that dares to tack an imaginary supplement of thy own to the finished work of Christ? (Augustus Toplady)

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• This is the time of year for new officebearer installations (elders and deacons), and with that in mind we mention the special section for officebearers on the PRC website. Here you will find valuable resources - books, syllabi, articles, speeches, and sermons - all designed to help the ministers, elders, and deacons serve the Lord and His people. Be sure to visit this page and browse its aids.
  
  
• Rev. H.Bleyenberg (Providence PRC) has been considering the call to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB - received Dec.15). Today he announced his acceptance of this call. We thank the Lord for providing another pastor for our sister in Lacombe and pray for Rev. Bleyengerg and his wife as they bid farewell to Providence.  Rev. J. Laning is bringing the Word in Immanuel this week and next.
  
  
• Rev. R. Van Overloop (Grace PRC) has been considering the call to Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI). Today he accounced his decline of this call.
  
  
• Rev. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC) is considering the call to Cornerstone PRC (received Jan.5).
  
  
• Kalamazoo PRC has announced the following concerning her call of a new pastor: "The Consistory presents to the congregation a trio consisting of Revs. R. Barnhill, J. Engelsma, and C. Spronk. A special congregational meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, January 26, following the evening service to vote from the trio."
  
  
• On December 29 Rev. J. Mahtani was installed in Grandville PRC as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. The Mahtanis are still awaiting the permission of the Singaporean government and hope to leave for Singapore as soon as that is granted (*see the update under CERC news below). In the meantime, they are residing in the West Michigan area and he is busy preaching in the churches. May the Lord be pleased to grant this approval soon according to His sovereign plan and wise purpose.
  
  
• Rev. R. Hanko is leading the services in First PRC, Edmonton today. Let us continue to pray for Rev. J. Marcus and his family, and that flock there.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Classis East meeting: Classis East held its regularly scheduled meeting on Jan.8-9 at Zion PRC (Jenison, MI). The following is a brief summary of this meeting provided by the stated clerk (a fuller report will be provided later):

CLASSIS EAST met this past Wednesday and Thursday at Zion PRC. There were three appeals and two protests. One appeal had portions upheld and portions not sustained. One appeal was not sustained, and the third was declared illegally before Classis due to the manner of its submission. Both protests were judged legally before Classis, however not sustained.  The church visitors gave a favorable report of their work in 2019. Rev. Haak and Rev. Koole were chosen to be church visitors in 2020. Elected to represent Classis East at Synod 2020 were: Revs. Eriks, Griess, Langerak, Spronk, and Van Overloop; elders Rick Gritters, Nick Kleyn, Dave Kregel, Brendan Looyenga, and Sid Miedema. Classis advised two consistories to proceed in their discipline of a member after the consistory gave a detailed report of their work and gave evidence of the on-going impenitence of the member under discipline. Three subsidy requests were forwarded to Synod 2020 with the approval of the classis. Pulpit supply was granted for Cornerstone PRC, Kalamazoo PRC, and Unity PRC. The next regular meeting of Classis East will be on May 13, 2020 at Byron Center PRC.

Classis West Notice: Classis West will be meeting March 4, 2020 at Peace Church, Dyer, Indiana, D.V.  Anyone having material to go before Classis is asked to ensure it reaches the stated clerk, Rev Joshua Engelsma, prior to Monday, Feb 3, 2020.  May our Lord and Saviour grant our delegates all the grace and wisdom needed to represent our congregation.

A view of the renovated library and new offices/archives addition (in the center)

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary has completed its ten-day Interim (Jan.6-15) on "The Schism of 1953.". The second semester begins this Tuesday Jan.21 (see note below). The class schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website. Commit to praying for the faculty, students, and staff as we begin this next semester.
  
  
• With seminary's second-semester classes beginning THIS Tuesday, ​January 21, three classes are open for auditors. For Prof. R. Cammenga: NT History (Passion week through the missionary journeys of Paul) and Dogmatics (Eschatology, the doctrine of the last things). For Prof. R. Dykstra: Recent Church History (Synod of Dordt to today). If you are interested in attending, please contact the seminary secretary at 616-531-1490​ before ​January 21​.​ 
  
  
• The Fall 2019 issue of the PRT Journal has been published and was mailed the end of the year; the pdf and ePub editions are available online (visit the link provided here). Look for an excerpt from Prof. D. Kuiper's thesis on G. Ophoff and 1953, articles based on presentations given in Mexico this past summer (eschatology), and plenty of profitable book reviews. If you would like a copy or wish to be added to the mailing list, please contact the seminary secretary.
  
  
• Sem. Josiah Tan (CERC-Singapore) has been licensed to speak a word of edification in the churches and has begun preaching in the West Michigan area and beyond. Contact Prof. B. Gritters (rector) for scheduling.
  
  
• Looking for some good Reformed books to read, Bible study materials or seminary publications to use? Come and visit the seminary's bookstore! We have a variety of Bibles, commentaries, and good books - used and new - for our members and friends. And you may also make use of our library - here's the link to our online catalog if you wish to search for something to read or use.
  
  
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. Please remember in your prayers to petition the Lord of the harvest for pastors, and please encourage young men, whom you observe to have the gifts, to consider the ministry. If you wish to listen to a couple of sermons by our professors that address this need, listen to "The (Suffering) Minister's Steadfast Confession" and "The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel Preacher."

• For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website! 

Worship place of Covenant PRC, Ballymena, N. Ireland

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC,  the following may be noted:
  • Rev. A. Stewart was back from the U.S. and Limerick RF to lead Covenant's services today.
    
  • Covenant PRC's last church newsletter was received and posted (August 2019).
    
  • Read the latest issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"! Find the December 2019 issue here.

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be mentioned:
  
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife continue to serve the CERC. In her bulletin last week was this update: "In view of the unknown status of the MOL, Rev. Den Hartog and Sherry have kindly extended their stay in Singapore till end January so that CERC could have continual pulpit supply throughout January. Rev. Den Hartog and Sherry will be departing Singapore on 27 January, Monday...."
    
  • For future supply, her bulletin today has this news: "While waiting [for the answer of the government on Rev. J. Mahtani], PRCA has scheduled Rev. Kenneth Koole to come over to help in the pulpit supply for the month of Feb 2020 and Prof. Dykstra will cover the first Sunday of Mar 2020. Both Rev. Koole and Prof. Dykstra will conduct Church Visitation in end Feb 2020."
  • Concerning Rev. J. Mahtani's application to serve in CERC, the session has made yet another appeal to the  Singapore goverment and in her Jan.12 bulletin added this note: "The Lord has not terminated, but uphold, the process in seeking the approval of Rev Mahtani’s Employment Pass application. Thank God for another opportunity to appeal to CMPB. We urge you to keep this matter of MOL in your daily prayer to seek the Lord’s gracious provision for CERC."
  • The December 2019 newsletter - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page.

• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  
  • Congregational and Denominational News:

~ Maranatha PRC: Rev. L. Trinidad led the services. Provident PRC: Rev. D. Holstege led the services. The Kleyns were in Negros Occidental today.
~We can also tell you from the blogs of the Kleyns and the Smits that the Taal volcano eruption has affected them, but that they are all safe.

~ "The PRCP Seminary informs the members of our churches with thanksgiving to the Lord that another semester of seminary training began on Tuesday, January 14.  If interested, visitors are allowed to visit certain seminary courses for learning and edification. For the second semester of the 2019-2020 school year, Hermeneutics (Rev.  Holstege on Tuesdays at 7 a.m.), Dogmatics-Anthropology (Rev. Smit on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.), and Church History (Rev. Kleyn on Thursdays at 7 a.m.) will be open to visitors. Visitors are welcome to attend but must: be punctual,  reserve class time for student questions and discussion, and  notify the instructors a day or two in advance that they will be attending."

~ The most recent mission newsletter was published and distributed this Fall. You may find that October 2019 update here.

~ And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions.

• The PRC also has a "corresponding relationship" with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) of Australia. We remember these brothers and sisters in our prayers and labors also.

Are you receiving and reading The Standard Bearer in 2020? It's never too late to subscribe!

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• Are you perhaps looking for good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.
  
  
• Would you like to learn more about the PRC and her doctrines and practices? Are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Visit the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • Through this month Rev. W. Bruinsma of the Pittsburgh PRC is speaking for the RWH. He is finishing a series on women in the Bible, with today's message titled "Tabitha Raised from the Dead" based on Acts 9:36-42. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
    
  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ Special RWH newsletter note: Did you know that Reformed Witness Hour messages are downloaded each month by saints all over the world—saints living in South Africa, Cambodia, Nigeria, and China? If you would like to stay informed about the reach of this distinctly Reformed radio and internet ministry and about ways you can support this witness, sign up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL for a bimonthly newsletter.

~ A Spanish edition of the RWH has been produced and may be found on this YouTube channel (PRC Espanol). Why not check it out - and help spread the word!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• Chaperone registration for the 2020 Young People’s Convention hosted by Georgetown PRC is now open!  The convention is planned for August 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL.  To register, go to www.prcconvention.com, and follow the instructions under the Chaperone tab.  If you have any questions, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Conventioneer registration opens March 15.
  
  
• Young Men's Conference - Young men of High School and College age, please plan to attend the GPRC Young Men’s Conference, with the theme of "Run, Fight, Lead!", on Saturday morning, April 25, from 8 am-12:00 pm, at Georgetown Protestant Reformed Church. Breakfast is included! Don’t wait, register today!  For more details and to register please visit georgetownprc.org/runfightlead

Rev. C. Haak catching up with a friend in Vellore, India (see note below)

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond through Byron Center PRC, the calling church. Today he is preaching in Georgetown PRC while Rev. Haak is in India.

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown is back in Limerick and leading services today after his trip to Australia to participate in the EPC Youth Camp.
  • The last mission newsletter from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship - the December 2019 edition - may be found here.

Philippine Missions:

• Berean PRC News: This congregation continues to work in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija.
• Maranatha PRC news: "Let us pray for Rev. Daniel and Sharon Kleyn, our Missionary couple who visits in Sipalay, Negros Occidental monthly."
• The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The October 2019 issue may be read here.
  
• For more on life and activities in the Philippines from the personal perspective of the missionary's, visit the Kleyn's blog, the Holstege's, and the Smits!
  

Let us continue in prayer to the Lord for the fulfillment of the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India. From today's bulletin (and a previous one) we learn about a delegation that arrived this week:
  

Rev. Haak and Mary arrived in Vellore around 8:00pm on Thursday night, India time. [They are there] for a three week stay in Vellore, India for a visit with the PRCV. They will be joined by Deane and Donna Wassink who leave on Jan. 26. Their work includes teaching classes at the SGA, meeting with the Tamil and English Church, working with the GFH, visiting with members of the church and the Consistory of the PRCV, etc.  The Council has asked Rev. Wilbur and Mary Bruinsma to go to India (Sundays of Feb. 2, 9, 16). Pastor Haak and Rev. Bruinsma hope to provide training for area ministers and students of the PRCV for a five week period, and hopefully follow up these classes with regular Skype classes throughout the coming year. Pray for the Lord’s blessing.

• We also remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. From Byron Center PRC's bulletin we learn about Rev. A. Lanning's involvement which begins this week: The consistory has granted Rev. Lanning permission to speak at the annual mission conference in Kolkata, India. The conference theme is, "Ye Are My Witnesses," and will include five speeches and Sunday worship. Rev. Lanning will be gone January 21-28.
  And Covenant ERC in Singapore adds this note in a recent bulletin: The Kolkata Fellowship will be holding their 5th annual church camp on 24 – 26 January 2020. The Fellowship has chosen the theme of the camp as "Ye shall be My witness.", taken from Acts 1:8 and the camp speaker is Rev Andy Lanning. Though Session will not send a delegate to Kolkata, some brethren, Lord willing, will be attending the church camp on their own accord. We thank God for the opportunity for these brethren to meet the saints in Kolkata and to encourage them with fellowship in the gospel. Pray that our brethren will have a blessed and joyful experience of the body of Christ; a fellowship united in one faith and one Spirit of Jesus Christ. Pray also for journey mercy for all the foreign visitors to the camp. 

Myanmar:

• Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar; for his latest report, visit this page.