The Western Ladies’ League met on October 3, 1963, at 1 o’clock, at Doon, Iowa. We opened our meeting by singing our theme song, Psalter number 298; and Psalter number 90 was sung. Rev. Kortering led us in prayer. Our president, Mrs. Kortering, read from Psalm 119:33-48. Mrs. Kortering then introduced our speaker, Rev. B. Woudenberg, who spoke on the topic, ‘What Effect Does the Home Have on the Character of the, Child?” First we must know what is meant by the word “character.” In the dictionary the word “character” is defined as the distinctive qualities of a person. The Bible uses the word once in the Greek: it is concerning Christ as He stands in the image of God. Here it literally means an impression made by an engraver’s tool, thus, that which is impressed upon Christ by God. We may conclude; therefore, that our question asks: what impressions does the home have upon the child? And we as members of God’s church—what impression is made upon the child by the Christian, covenant home? A child is a very impressionable individual. There are many things that leave their impressions upon a child. There are playmates, friends, teachers, magazines, books, T.V. and radio—all these, along with the parents, make their impressions. Which impression is strongest? In the home the child receives its first impressions of life; even when people become old and forgetful, the memories of childhood remain closest of all. A home belongs to the child. He finds his direct love at home. There is the fact Scripture points out, that the child stands in the image of the parents. There is between them the bond of heredity. They share together a common nature. The child receives his basic spiritual impressions from home. The child in early years patterns his life after his parents. All that the parents do, say, think, and believe, he considers important, right, and good. The attitude the parents take toward religion and church, if the parents’ church attendance means much, if they sleep in church, or listen attentively, and discuss what they have heard when they get home, if society life is important, and if the parents study for society—these things make an impression on the child. This continues in school: the teacher can teach facts, and the child will learn them. But still it is in the home where the child knows whether they are important and worthy to be followed. Parents can go a long way in impressing their own character on the child. The imprint of the home is always there. A person can’t change it. But the basic reality is beyond our power. Does the child see God, honor, love, and respect Him? God can only supply this. Only God can determine whether they will work towards true sanctification of life. All that we do must be in humility and prayer. For only God can give it fruit. 

After the lecture, Doon favored us with a piano solo. After business, we sang a few Psalter numbers, and a collection for Lynden’s Prot. Ref. building fund, amounting to $39.80. Edgerton then gave us a reading. 

Rev. Kortering answered three questions sent in by the societies. “When does necessity begin, and luxury end?” “Is it right to participate in drawings for a Christian?” And finally, “Explain Jer. 8:22; who is asking these questions, Jehovah or Jeremiah?” 

Our meeting was closed by singing a Psalter number, and prayer by Rev. Woudenberg. 

—Mrs. Bernard Hop, Reporter