“My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior,” Luke 1:46, 47. 

Our hearts experienced this blessed doxology of praise when the days of fulfillment of Gods promises dawned upon us. The time of waiting for this was long and often frustrating; nevertheless in Gods own time doors were opened so that Rev. Miersma and his family were enabled to settle among us. 

As the day of their arrival (January 15, 1988) fell during our summer holidays, most members were able to meet the Miersma family at the point of their arrival, although the time of reaching Wellington was delayed for several hours. 

An eagerness to labor among us and also past experience of living in New Zealand soon made the Miersmas feel at home after overcoming initial jet lag.

The highlight of having our own minister came when Rev. Miersma was formally installed among us by Rev. Heys on Sunday, 14 February, 1988. The text chosen for this solemn occasion was taken from I Peter 5:2 and 3; and the sermon was entitled “Called To Feed Gods Flock.” Our small numbers were greatly increased at this occasion, owing to a welcome influx of visitors—some from nearby, but also some from Australia, and several from our sister churches in the United States. 

We tremble at the thought of having the truth of Gods Word entrusted to us. Gods gift comes with His admonition, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip,” Hebrews 2:1. We are reminded here that to attain unto the truth never comes to us in an easy way; rather we see it as running through a battlefield of strife and opposition. Likewise the safeguarding of the truth; also this is so easily lost if we become complacent in our outlook. 

We now look forward to a strengthening of the ties of spiritual affinity existing between our churches. With Rev. Miersma in our midst, we trust that this kinship may further develop. We also trust that his stay among us receives approval from on high as together we strive for the honour and glory of that only Name given whereby we must be saved. 

We covet the prayers of likeminded saints and convey Christian greetings to all who supported us as the body of Christ our Saviour in this part of His creation. 

On behalf of the session of the Protestant Reformed Church of New Zealand, 

—B. van Herk

[Editor’s Note: We rejoice with the little flock in New Zealand, and we wish them and the Rev. Miersma God’s richest blessings. Don’t forget to let The Standard Bearer hear from you from time to time. HCH]