This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, July 26 - August 1, 2020 *(Updated)

Today, July 26, is the thirtieth Lord's Day of 2020; we may report the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.

Let us continue to bring to our Father's throne of grace the special needs of our churches, sister churches, and mission fields during these trying times of COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. And while there, may we find peace and hope in our Father's abiding love for us in Jesus Christ, and His will to do us only good - even everlasting good.

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee. ...In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee. ....No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:10,14,17

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

This portrait shows the child of God, simply trusting in the Lord, no matter the noise or troubles, calamities or circumstances around him. This was David’s situation. Oh, the calm times when David contemplated and sang songs to his God while he cared for his sheep. When a bear or lion came to snatch up one of his little lambs, or as he stood before the giant Goliath, he had a perfect trust in his God. What a nice picture of the full blown believer in the face of painful and trying circumstances. Does this picture tug at your heart? Do you say, “This is how I want to live and die?” Or do you find yourself often fretful moody, upset, frustrated, or even grumpy too often? May God give us grace that we may be able to say, “My soul is even as a weaned child.” May you have a calm, resigned, peaceful frame of mind, walking in faith and trust in Jehovah’s safe-keeping.

~ Rev. A. Spriensma in "Portrait of a Weaned Child," one of his special meditations from this past week

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• For those who may still be limited to house worship, whether completely or partially, we invite you to visit the PR churches page and follow the links to the websites where the churches' livestream may be found.
  
  
• From the bulletin of Immanuel PRC comes this good news: "Their 2-week quarantine having expired, Rev. Bleyenberg is therefore able to preach for us behind the pulpit, and will do so for both services going forward. Live-streaming will be available, and the Council requests that you worship with us by way of live-streaming for the service in which your family will be at home.  We give thanks to God for providing the Word to go forth physically from our new pastor in God’s house! Next Sunday Rev. Bleyenberg will be installed as minister of Immanuel PRC. Rev. Miersma will preach the installation in the morning, and Rev. Bleyenberg will preach his inaugural sermon in the afternoon. Because Immanuel PRC is too small to hold the entire congregation (taking into account social distancing), the consistory has arranged for these two worship services to be held at the local SDA Church -6910 - University Drive.  The consistory calls the entire congregation to come and worship. The service times will be the same: 10am and 4:30pm."
  
  
• On July 12 Rev. G. Eriks accepted the call to Unity PRC (Byron Center, MI). According to Unity's July 19 bulletin, Rev. Eriks will preach his farewell sermon to the Hudsonville congregation on Sunday, August 16 and his installation will be the following week, August 23, during the morning service.
  
  
• On July 19 the Council of First PRC, Edmontion announced a new trio: Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC), Rev. M. VanderWal (Wingham PRC), and Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC). The congregation will vote, D.V. after the afternoon service today. Rev. M. Vanderwal has received this call. Rev. T. Miersma is leading the services there again today. 

• Rev. C. Spronk is considering the call from Kalamazoo PRC (received July 5). May the Lord grant him wisdom to discern His will in this matter. According to Faith PRC's bulletin, he plans to answer by August 9.
  
  
• Special note from Doon PRC's Consistory: Rev. D. Holstege​, one of our missionaries in the Philippines, plans to be on furlough with his family from December of this year into June of next year. They are a family of seven planning to live in West Michigan and in need of a house that they can rent for that time frame. If you can help them in their search, please call or text Jim Holstege at 616-498-0841 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Hope PRC of Redlands, CA meeting outside for her services

• Did you know... that
  • Our Hope PRC in Redlands, CA moved her services outside on her lawn (and that of the school) after the most recent lockdown order in that state? And they were able to do it with the whole congregation and still maintain social distancing! How wonderful under the circumstances!
  • Rev. J. Mahtani and his family did move into Hope's parsonage this past week, according to Hope PRC's bulletin this week? We trust they are settling in well to their new place and finding good neighbors in that locale.
  • Senior Sem. Josiah Tan is leading both services in First PRC today? In the first service he delivering his first sermon as part of his internship requirements, while in the evening he is filling the pulpit for Rev. C. Griess who has a classical appointment to Unity PRC.
  • Prof. David Engelsma has made a two-hour podcast with the Presbyterian theologian, Dr. Sonny Hernandez, critiquing the doctrine of common grace?  Anyone who is interested in listening to the podcast can access it through Dr. Hernandez website at reformingamericaministries.com and click on the link for the podcast (from Trinity PRC's bulletin today).

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary is now enjoying its summer break. Some of the plans the professors and students had for the summer have changed due to COVID-19 cancellations and postponements (trip to Mexico, PRYP's Convention, etc.), but there are other activities that may still be held. Continue to pray for faculty, students, and staff as they continue their labors this summer.
  
  
• Now that the stay-at-home order has been lifted in Michigan, the seminary is open daily for any needs our members and friends may have. The library and bookstore are also open for use. Feel free to call or email the seminary if you wish to have your needs fulfilled in other ways.
  
  
• The Fall 2020 semester schedule and calendar has been approved by the Theological School Commitee and posted on the seminary's website. The first semester will begin, D.V. the week of August 24. At this point we are planning to have onsite and in-person classes.
  
  
• Seminarian Josiah Tan began his internship this month (July 1 - Dec.31) in First PRC under Rev. C. Griess. Pray that the Lord will use this part of his training to further prepare him for the ministry of the Word in our sister church in Singapore.
  
  
• The PRC Synod 2020 approved the entrance of Luke Bomers (Hope PRC, Walker, MI) and Arend Haveman (Trinity PRC, Hudsonville, MI) into the seminary this Fall. Both are finishing their pre-sem studies this summer. Pray for them as they prepare to take up their studies for the ministry in a few months.
  
  
• The Spring 2020 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available in digital (pdf and epub) form. We are currently working on getting the print edition produced. When that is ready, we will be mailing these out. There are good articles on nineteenth-century Southern Presbyterians, Calvin's view of the reward of grace, a plea for biblical languages, and two book review articles besides other book reviews. Check it out on the seminary's journal page!

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

Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be noted from her bulletin today (and recently):
  
  • The COVID 19 pandemic had limited us in many areas of the life of the church. For a few months, we are not able to congregate together to worship the Lord. We can only stay in our homes with our family or as individuals, worship through live-streaming. Though we are thankful we can still worship through live-streaming, yet it is far from the blessedness where the church comes together to worship the Lord. Since March, due to Government’s COVID-19 restrictions, we have missed the partaking of the Lord’s Supper (which is one of the means of grace the Lord gave to His church) for 2 consecutive occasions. We are also limited in the communion of saints when we cannot congregate in church or in meetings or Bible study. Beloved, the Lord uses this occasion to try us and to search our hearts if we are like the Psalmist when he cannot go to the temple of God to worship Him because he was held captive in Babylon. He confessed that his chief joy is Jerusalem which is the church of God in the Old Testament Is this also our confession? May the Lord grant us that grace to love and care for His church in which also reflect our love for God in our lives.
  • Due to the Phase 2 restrictions on travels and employment pass approval, Grandville PRC, our MOL calling church, has concurred with Session’s suggestion to suspend the calling of MOL for the time being. 
  • The June 2020 newsletter - Reformed News Asia #60 - was published and posted this past week. You may find it on this page.

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC,  the following may be noted:
  
  • She resumed services earlier this month for the first time since the lockdown in the UK in March. Rev. A. Stewart continues to lead the services and the CPRC is livestreaming them for those unable to attend.
    
  • Read the latest CPRC newsletter - June 2020!
    
  • Read the new June 2020 issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!
    
    
• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, Bulacan PRC, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  
  • Congregational and Denominational News:

~ Berean PRC:

Rev. V. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today via live-streaming on Facebook Live. As to date, beloved, we are still under GCQ (general community quarantine). We pray earnestly to God that in soonest possible time, He may be pleased to lift us up from this crisis so that our regular corporate public worship services are restored, the Lord willing.

Rev. Ibe and Deacon Junno are scheduled to visit our brethren and sisters in the Lord in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija on Sunday (August 02), the Lord willing.

~ Maranatha PRC:  

 Rev. R. Smit will lead us in both Worship Services live stream via Facebook: Maranatha Protestant Reformed Church, at 9:00 a.m and 11: a.m., Lord willing. (*Our City of Valenzuela has authorized the churches to conduct their worship services on a limited number of 10 persons per service.)

We are in the 5th month that is from March to July, 2020 of being under the General Enhancement Quarantine in Metro Manila and still there are areas under the lock down rules with a close supervision of the authorities. There are equivalent penalty fees and/orcertain number of days of being in prison if caught with out any reasonable explanations.Let us therefore continue to pray to our Almighty God to bring us, the saints back to our normal gatherings in the sanctuary of the Lord.

~ Provident PRC:  

Rev. Holstege will teach the Heidelberg Catechism on Zoom at 9:00 this morning for BLCC and preach both times for PPRC, since he was not able to travel to Guiguinto yet....

Rev. Holstege will preach both times today. The worship services will take place again in the house of Elder Bien and will be live streamed on the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page and on YouTube.

~ 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.

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors

• We 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.
  • Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, his present travels and activities are quite limited. The ongoing Bible study in Dorr, MI led by our missionary is currently postponed also.
  • But, he has been writing short meditations for the PRC website and is now speaking for the Reformed Witess Hour radio program (for four months, June - Sept.).
    

Limerick (Ireland) Reformed Fellowship News:

• Rev. M. McGeown is still leading the services on the mission until he is allowed to enter the U.S. (see next note). They have also just recently restarted live services after the UK lockdown that began in March.
• He has accepted the call to Providence PRC in Hudsonville, MI. Plans are being made for him to complete his labors in Limerick and move to Michigan as soon as it is possible, but it could be many months before that happens (see his most recent newsletter).
• A new Limerick RF Newsletter was just published - July 2020. You may find that here.

Philippine Missions:

• Rev. D. Holstege​, one of our missionaries in the Philippines, plans to be on furlough with his family from December of this year into June of next year. They are a family of seven planning to live in West Michigan and are in need of a house that they can rent for that time frame. If you can help them in their search, please call or text Jim Holstege at 616-498-0841 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. ~ The Doon consistory
• Berean PRC News:
  Rev. Ibe and Deacon Junno are scheduled to visit our brethren and sisters in the Lord in Gabaldon Nueva Ecija on Sunday (August 02), the Lord willing.
  
  
• PRC of Bulacan News:
  The Consistory reports that they have begun public services again in the PR Fellowship in Albuera. Rev. J. Flores is leading them by Zoom (morning service only).
  
  
• Maranatha PRC News: 

  The missionary work in Sipalay, Negros Occidental is temporarily cancelled due to the Enchancement Community Quaratine. Let us pray that the Lord will end this plague and let His work of preaching and teaching be continued.

• 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!
  

We remember in prayer the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines, especially in these difficult days of COVID-19  restrictions on their travels and labors. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to carry on as best they can and to be encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India. The saints in that part of the world continue to experience tight restrictions and limited functions.
  

• Let us pray for our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. This update was in CERC's bulletin today: Continue to remember our brothers and sisters in CERC Kolkata Fellowship. As you are aware that the COVID-19 situation in India is getting worse, pray that the Lord will keep our brothers and sisters safe in Kolkata. Pray for our Missionary Pastor as he cares for the saints in Kolkata.

Myanmar:

• Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar. Our brothers and sisters here too need our prayers and encouragement as they suffer under coronavirus quarantines and economic hardships. Rev. Titus continues to minister the Word to his flock through the means of social media and modern technology.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!

• At present Rev. A. Spriensma (PRC home missionary) is delivering the messages and this month he is focusing on the truth of God's covenant of grace. Today's message is titled "A Smoking Furnace and a Burning Lamp" based on Genesis 15:. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you, on your favorite podcast, or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
  
  
• From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:
  • The Reformed Witness Hour Committee wishes to remind everyone that you can receive their bi-monthly newsletter via email simply by signing up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL.  Each newsletter contains information about places around our globe where the RWH is downloaded; news about the RWH’s witness on the radio and via the internet, printed booklet, and CD and links to many popular and relevant RWH messages.
  • 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!

• Are you desirous to learn more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, 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.
  

• The Reformed Book Outlet  is open again, with temporary limited hours. We will be open on Tuesday, 10am - 1pm, Wednesday, 1pm - 6pm, and Saturday, 10am - 1pm. Please follow the guidelines that will be posted on the door when visiting the store. As always, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any orders as well!
  The Reformed Book Outlet’s 3rd annual summer reading challenge is beginning on June 15 and will go through August 22 this year! This challenge is for adults and children, and there are prizes for completing the challenge. Visit our store or Facebook page for more details. You can sign up and pick up a packet at the store during business hours, or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to sign up and we will send you a packet!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• The Young Calvinists will be holding a Virtual Young People's Gathering via zoom on August 8 from 11am-5pm. As a small replacement for Convention, this will feature a lecture on Heaven by Prof. Gritters, online mixer games, discussion groups and more! There will also be an outdoor Singspiration (young people only) on Sunday, August 9 at 8pm. To help us safely prepare, please RSVP for one or both events by July 20 at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/young-calvinists-virtual. Follow our blog (youngcalvinists.org), Facebook, or Instagram, for upcoming details!
  
  

• PRYP Convention News (good news from Georgetown PRC!): 2021 Young People’s Convention: Our Steering Committee has signed a new contract with Lake Williamson Christian Center for next year.  ...We have reserved the second week in August, arriving on Monday August 9 and departing on Friday August 13, 2021.  There will be no other groups at Lake Williamson on the second week and we would have the camp to ourselves (similar to this year). May the Lord preserve our enthusiasm and bless our plans for our Young People’s growth.
  
  
• The latest issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shaker, is available (from Singapore!). Find the June 2020 issue here.
  
  
• Colorado Retreat: Registration for the retreat is closed! For further updates, please visit our Facebook page Colorado Young Adults Retreat 2020. Pastors Key and Guichelaar will speak for us on II Timothy 1:7, as we learn to be more 'Brave and Bold in the Faith'.
  
  
• Save the date for a Singles’ Conference! Lord willing, we will have another short conference for Protestant Reformed Singles (geared towards those ages 25+) on September 25-27 in Grand Rapids, MI.  Rev. Jonathan Mahtani and Rev. Stephan Regnerus have agreed to speak.  To register, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find us on Facebook.  Registration forms are due by September 7.