Mr. Wigger is an elder in the Protestant Reformed Church of Hudsonville, Michigan.

Evangelism Activities

We begin this issue of the “News” with a heartfelt thank-you, first to the Evangelism Committee of the First PRC in Holland, MI for serving as host for a very timely and worthwhile conference on the millennium, entitled “Biblical Sanity Amid Millennial Madness,” and second to the three men who so capably presented the biblical aspects of that theme. Prof. D. Engelsma spoke Friday night, February 5, to an overflow crowd on “The Proper Perspective of the New Testament Age and the Return of Jesus Christ.” This fine speech was followed the next morning by two more: Prof. H. Hanko spoke on “The Dominant Signs of Our Times,” followed by Rev. C. Terpstra speaking on “Preparing for the New Millennium and the End of the Age.” Time was given after each speech for questions, and this too proved to add a very practical touch to the conference. Today there are so many different predictions about what will happen at the end of this millennium. This opportunity to spend time with God’s Word, therefore, truly served to strengthen those who attended. Opportunity was also given to order all three speeches on cassette, and at this time there are over 90 orders already in to First’s Evangelism Committee.

With the approval of his consistory, Rev. S. Key, pastor of the Randolph, WI PRC, brought the Word of God Sunday evening, February 14, to the members of the Grace United Reformed Church in Waupun, WI. Pastor Key preached from Psalm 25:4 under the theme, “Jehovah’s Covenant Made Known.”

The Evangelism Committee of the Grace PRC in Standale, MI was able to spend a night in mid-January manning a booth at Grand Valley State University to promote their evangelism work there. You may remember that part of that work involves sponsorship of the group “Christianity on Campus,” which meets throughout the school year to discuss subjects related to young Christians of college age. Part of Grace’s work also involves giving guidance and counsel to students at GVSU. The hope is that by God’s grace some might be led through this to visit Grace Church and possibly come to a deeper appreciation of the Reformed faith.

The Evangelism Committee of the Bethel PRC in Itasca, IL recently informed their congregation that their church’s web page continues to draw questions from many different contacts. Plans are now underway to up-date this page to include audio Reformed Witness Hour sermons.

Mission Activities

Since his acceptance of our churches’ call to serve as missionary to Ghana, Rev. R. Moore and his wife have been busy making plans for the tremendous undertaking we as churches are about to begin. Rev. Moore estimates that it will take at least three months to make the arrangements necessary to move to Ghana. Rev. Moore planned to preach his farewell sermon as pastor of the Hull, IA PRC on March 7, D.V.

Also with regard to Ghana, we pass along a note from the Foreign Mission Committee that they are once again looking for individuals or couples interested in assisting our missionary in Ghana. The FMC is requesting that these individuals or couples be willing to spend at least six months, but preferably at least a year, on the field assisting our missionary. Much of the work would be to assist in the practical aspects of the work which are not directly ecclesiastical. Such work as attending to the housing, transportation, and physical aspects of the worship and living facilities. Expenses for these volunteers would be paid by way of collections in our churches and personal donations. If you are interested, you are encouraged to contact Rev. R. Smit, secretary of the FMC, with any questions you may have.

As many of our readers know, Rev. J. Mahtani, home missionary in Pittsburgh, PA, has been suffering from depression. Pastor Mahtani has been relieved of his preaching duties for four to six weeks. The Domestic Mission Committee and the calling church, Southwest PRC in Grandville, MI, have made arrangements for the care of the mission group during this time and have prepared a schedule for how Rev. Mahtani, the Lord willing, will resume his labors. Besides remembering the needs of the Mahtanis and the group in Pittsburgh in prayer, you might also consider dropping them a note of encouragement. Pastor Mahtani’s address is, 216 Thornberry Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15235 or jaimahtani@msn.com.

Minister Activities

The congregation of the Hull, IA PRC will have a congregational meeting on March 2, D.V., to call a pastor from a trio of the Revs. B. Gritters (Hudsonville, MI), C. Haak (Itasca, IL), and S. Key (Randolph, WI).