Mission Activities

Prof. Ronald Cammenga and his wife Rhonda arrived in the Philippines on August 12 and stayed for about two weeks. Prof. Cammenga preached in the PRC of Bulacan and the Berean PRC as well as presented three speeches on the “Life and The ology of John Calvin” during a one day conference held in the Provident Christian Church of Marikina on August 21. A one-day conference was also held on the island of Negros Occidental on August 18.

After the second service in Doon, IA PRC on August 16, Jim and Brenda Regnerus showed the congregation of the calling church the photos of their recent trip to the Philippines. The delegation reported a positive experience and an enjoyable trip. Seminarian Stephan Regnerus spoke a word of edification to his home congregation in Doon on August 9, and also testified of the benefit to him of his summer stay in the Philippines, along with a side trip to Singapore. Stephan had the privilege of conducting the worship services in Provident Christian Church of Marikina and the Berean PRC. He also had the opportunity to visit Corregidor Island and even traveled to Gabaldon, the former mission church of the Berean PRC. Stephan stayed overnight with Brother Lando in his residence next to the Gabaldon church building while in the area. Although it was discussed, Stephan did not make serious work of the opportunity to ride a carabao, also known as the “Philippine Tractor.” Maybe next time.

Jack and Joyce Lenting along with Dewey and Elaine Vander Noord from Crete, IL PRC spent a few days with the Kleyns in early August.

Young Adult Activities

First PRC of Edmonton, AB, Canada hosted a Young Adult Retreat in early August. Twenty-four young adults from Edmonton, Grand Rapids, MI, Lacombe, AB, Holland, MI, Hull, IA, Randolph, WI, and Redlands, CA stayed at the Goldeye Retreat Center near Nordegg, Alberta from August 3 through 5. Two speeches on “God’s Personal Knowledge of Us” and “Our Personal Knowledge of God” were given by Rev. Thomas Miersma and Rev. John Marcus. Following the speeches the group met together to discuss some practical aspects of knowing God. The Young Adults enjoyed the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Crescent Falls. On the last day of the retreat the group took an eight-mile hike up to Allstones Lake and a nearby peak to enjoy a dazzling view of God’s creation. A good time of fellowship was enjoyed by all. Sounds like a wonderful event!

Save the date! Calvary PRC in Hull, IA, with a committee comprised of members from our Midwest churches, plans to host a Young Adult Retreat August 15-18, 2016. More details will be available soon. We hope to see you in northwest Iowa then!

Minister Activities

At a special congregational meeting held August 17, the calling church for the Philippine mission field issued a call for a second missionary. The men of the Doon, IA PRC called Rev. Carl Haak, pastor at Georgetown PRC, Hudsonville, MI to this work. May God grant clear guidance to Rev. Haak as he considers this call and also the call to serve his present congregation at Georgetown.

Rev. Joshua Engelsma and his wife Courtney shared the exciting news of the birth of twin boys on August 19! Caleb John and Jacob Dewey and their mother are all well. We express thanksgiving to God for covenant sons added to the family and the church, and for preserving mother and babies throughout the pregnancy in His never failing care!

Young People’s Activities

The 2015 Young People’s Convention took place the week of August 9, hosted by Southeast PRC of Grand Rapids, MI and held at Michindoh Conference Center in Hillsdale, MI. Rev. Ken Koole, Rev. William Langerak, and Rev. Martin McGeown were the featured speakers, centering on “The Man-Eating Lion Survival Guide” under the theme “Be Vigilant,” taken from I Peter 5:8. The reports by those who attended and participated are that it was a most profitable week with good behavior, great fellowship, and fun together, as well as a time for solid instruction and good discussions. A first-time conventioneer deemed the experience “awesome,” and another attendee said that the convention gets better each year, even with turtles in the girls’ cabins. Next year’s convention will be hosted by Grace and Wingham congregations.

Sister Church Activities

The Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church located in the country of Singapore looks forward to celebrating God’s goodness to them in their twenty-eighth anniversary on September 20.

Seminary Activities

Classes in our seminary began September 1. Five classes were offered to interested auditors. These classes were Dogmatics and New Testament History (Cammenga) and Ancient Church History, Hermeneutics, and History of Dogma (Dykstra). Nine junior students resumed their studies this semester along with three first-year students—Matt Kortus, Jacob Maatman, and Darren Vink.

Congregational Activities

A thoughtful and interesting announcement in one of our church bulletins read: “For those who require a Gluten-free diet, there will be a few pieces of separately wrapped Gluten-free bread on each communion plate for you to take during the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. If you do not require a Gluten-free diet, please leave the wrapped pieces for those who do.”

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the as heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:3