This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, August 4-10, 2019

On this thirty-first Lord's Day of 2019, August 4, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• Cand. M. Kortus continues to consider the calls to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB, received July 14) and to Hope PRC (Redlands, CA, received July 21). May the King of the church give him clear guidance with regard to these calls.

• Cand. J. Maatman is considering the call to Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI, received July 21). May the Lord show him plainly His will.
  
  
• Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon IA PRC) is considering the call from Grandville PRC (received July 11) to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. He plans to answer by August 18. We pray for him and his family as he considers this important call.
  
  
• Rev. Brian Huizinga accepted the call from the 2019 PRC Synod to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. His installation as professor of theology is set for Wednesday Sept.4 at Grandville PRC (7 pm). May God uphold him and his family and provide for all their needs as they take up their new life and work in the seminary.
  
  
• Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) has extended a call to Cand. M. Kortus (July 14). Today her pulpit will be supplied again by Rev. R. Barnhill of Peace PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) extended a call to Candidate J. Maatman (July 21). Today, Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. A. Lanning (Byron Center PRC)  are leading her worship services. And a reminder: The congregation is currently worshiping at Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location.
  
  
• [Adapted from First PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) bulletin]:This past Wednesday (July 31), Rev. C.Griess and Lael traveled to Mexico City with a delegation including Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. R. Kleyn (as well as the Bartolon’s) for a two-week visit.  "This visit will include conferences at the Lluvias de Gracia Church (National Presbyterian Church) and the Juan Calvino Seminary (Independent Presbyterian Church) as well as speeches at the General Assembly of the NPC and among the NPC congregations in Chiapas.  The visitors will also have opportunity to preach in these two denominations. Conference and speech topics that the saints in Mexico requested include: Eschatology, Training for Office Bearers, Women in Office, the Sacraments, the Synod of Dort, and a Critique of Reformational Theology. The delegation plans to return August 12, the Lord willing.  Remember these brothers and sisters in prayer as they prepare for the trip, and may God grant good fellowship in Christ." (cf. the flyer posted here)
  
  
• Did you know that some of our congregations are having special worship times to accommodate pulpit supply needs? Heritage PRC (Sioux Falls, SD) held a 2 pm service today so Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC, Hull, IA) could lead her in worship. Peace PRC had a 3 pm service today led by Prof. D. Kuiper. Others are having services via video or live-streaming.

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

PRC Synod 2019:

• Synod (in First PR Church of Grand Rapids, MI) met from June 11-17. The daily reports with pictures may be found here.
• On June 30 Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) accepted Synod 2019's call to serve as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament (replacing Prof. R. Cammenga within five years). His installation as professor of theology is set for Wednesday Sept.4 during a divine worship service at Grandville PRC (7 pm).
• The PRC Synod of 2019 declared Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman candidates for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC. They are eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019.
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. Nine of our 39 active ministers are 63 years of age and older. The next prospect for seminary graduates in our churches is not for another four years. Then those nine ministers will be 67 and older. Please remember in your prayers to petition the Lord of the harvest for pastors, and please encourage young men, whom you observe to have the gifts, to consider the ministry.

PRC Seminary News:

• On June 30 Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) accepted Synod 2019's call to serve as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament (replacing Prof. R. Cammenga within five years). His installation as professor of theology is set for Wednesday Sept.4 during a divine worship service at Grandville PRC (7 pm). He and his family have now moved to West Michigan. May God uphold him and his family and provide for all their needs as they take up their new life and work in the seminary.
  
  
• The seminary is now in its summer break. The faculty is busy with various trips and speaking engagements.  Prof. B. Gritters has now returned from a conference in Australia on the Synod of Dordt and various meetings. Prof. R. Cammenga left for Mexico last week for several conferences in the Mexico City area. With the construction project and library renovation continuing, there is still plenty of activity at the seminary (see note below). In addition, faculty and staff continue preparing for the new semester in the Fall (starts Aug.26), the schedule for which has been posted on the seminary's website. The seminary is open daily (M-F) during the summer (except for holidays) and staff is available to assist with any needs.
  
  
• The seminary's two 2019 graduates, Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman, sustained their synodical examinations at the PRC 2019 Synod and were declared candidates for the ministry of the Word and sacraments in the PRC, eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019. Both have now received calls from vacant congregations. We praise God for this evidence of His confirmation of the call they felt when they began seminary.
  
  
• The Spring 2019 issue of the PR Theological Journal is currently available! For back issues, visit the seminary journal page. If you wish to be added to our mailing list, contact the seminary's secretary. In addition, a new index to all past issues has been posted on the Journal's archives page.

• If you have not yet done so, visit the new PRC seminary website! There are many new features and updates, including a blog. Visit the site and check out the various pages - and sign up to receive seminary news by email! The library is also online there (under Resources). If you are looking for a particular book to read or use, or just want to browse, visit the library page.

• Work continues on the seminary addition/library renovation project (new archives and offices). This past week more work was completed in the new offices (second coat of paint, ceiling tiles, etc.). In the library, the trim work is completed and stained and the paitning of the walls has begun. The new ceiling tiles were installed in the large area of the library (see photo above). Outside, the new roof over the library was started and will be completed this week. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.
  
  

*Covenant PRC in Ballymena, N. Ireland

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  • Today's bulletin contains these significant notices: "We thank God for the safe arrival of Rev Jonathan Mahtani, his two sons and Esther, this past Friday. We thank God for His goodness in providing us pulpit supply for the next three weeks. We look forward to a blessed fellowship and getting to know Rev Mahtani and his family in the weeks ahead. We pray that the Lord will use this opportunity to strengthen our sisterly-relationship with the PRCA. We also want to remember Rev Joshua Engelsma in our prayers as he considers the call extended to him to be our MOL. Pray that God will make His will plain to him and his family. Rev Engelsma will give an answer to the call on or before 18 August."
  • Her latest newsletter (June 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently posted and may be found on this page.
    
• Concerning our newest sister, the PRC in the Philippines, we may note the following from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:

• Berean PRC:
  
  • Last Sunday (July 28) Rev. V. Ibe announced his acceptance of the call to serve as PRCP missionary in Albuera, Leyte.
    
  • "Rev. Smit will lead us in our worship services today. Today, Rev. Ibe will lead the saints in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija in their worship service. We pray for God’s continued blessings as they hear and receive the proclamation of His Word!"
  • "Dear PRCP congregations, The Theological School Committee of the PRCP (Committee #1) announces to our PRCP congregations with much thanksgiving to our covenant God that, after many months of planning and preparation, seminary training will begin on Tuesday, August 13, 2019. The Classis approved in June 2019 that Bro. Jeremiah B. Pascual, a member of the First PRCP in Bulacan, be approved as a seminary student, beginning his training in August 2019. The Classis approved in February 2019 that Rev. Holstege (Hermeneutics), Rev. Kleyn (Church History and Homiletics), and Rev. Smit (Greek and Dogmatics: Theology, Anthropology) teach our students. Brethren, we earnestly covet your prayers and support in this work as we seek with the Lord’s indispensable blessings to train faithful, Reformed preachers for our churches. The TSC (Committee 1) requests the Consistories of the PRCP to hold one worship service on August 11, 2019 dedicated to the beginning of seminary school and entrusting our school to the blessing and care of our Sovereign God, and asking our pastors to preach texts related to the ministry of the Word and seminary instruction.”"
• Maranatha PRC:
  • Today Rev. L. Trinidad will lead in both worship services and continue teaching the Revelation.
    
• Provident CC:
  • "Today Rev. Kleyn will preach in our first service and Rev. Holstege in our second. The second service will be preparatory for the Lord’s Supper.

  • The Wednesday night Bible Study will begin again this week at 7:30. We will continue studying and discussing OT History, beginning where we stopped, at Israel in the wilderness.

  • And for more on the life and work of our "sisters" in the Far East read the news under Philippine missions (bulletins).

• *Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  
  • Are Unbelievers in God’s Image? This is the topic that Rev. Stewart (via phone link) will discuss on Iron Sharpens Iron Radio on Tuesday, 6 August, from 4-6 PM (Eastern Time in the US) or 9-11 PM (GMT) (www.ironsharpensironradio.com).
  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted (May 2019).
    
  • Read the newest issue of Covenant Reformed News! That issue (May 2019) can be found here.

• 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.
  • On behalf of the Contact Committee of the PRCA, Prof. Barry Gritters and Rev. Daniel Holstege visited the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia during July. Their work included participating in a joint conference with the EPCA in Brisbane on the subject of the Canons of Dordt as well as visiting the EPCA’s regular presbytery meeting. Both men have now returned to their home countires. May the Lord be pleased to use their work for the maintaining and strengthening of our relationship with the EPCA.

What does the PRCA believe and practice? Read this helpful resource!

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• If you are 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.
  
  
• Do you have an interest in good Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine? Visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association's website (www.rfpa.org), where you will find information on books in all major Christian categories, as well as on the bi-monthly periodical, the Standard Bearer.
  
  
• You can now listen to the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Canons of Dordt on audio! Visit the links provided to hear the Catechism, the Confession, and the Canons read by Elijah Roberts. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

• Remember to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • This week Rev. C. Griess (pastor of First PRC in Grand Rapids, MI) continues a three-month commitment to the program with a special series on the Five Points of Calvinism (for Dordt400) under the theme "Total Depravity (2)" (which you may listen to at this link).

  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee: *Have you checked out our newsletters? If you would like to receive them digitally in your emailbox, please sign up for our bimonthly newsletter here: ehttp://epurl.com/gikNsL. This month's newsletter contained this interesting information:

    • *Mark your calendar for our 4000th broadcast! On September 1, 2019 we will be airing "Whosoever Will May Come," by Rev. Herman Hoeksema to celebrate 4000 broadcasts of the RWH. This is the original audio from October 1944. Be sure to tune in on September 1 to hear this great message on salvation by sovereign grace!

  • A new 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!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• The 2019 PRYP's Convention is only a week away! Southwest & Providence PRCs are hosting the 2019 PRC Young People's Convention on August 12-16, the Lord willing.  The convention will be held at Michindoh Conference Center in Hillsdale, MI.
  

• The EPCA has this special notice, especially for our young people and young adults: The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia would love to invite any young people and young adults aged 13 and up to their biennial youth camp. This youth camp will be held in Brisbane from the 28th of December 2019 - 3rd January 2020. Rev. Martyn McGeown from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship of the Republic of Ireland will be our guest speaker. This is a great time to meet other young people, fellowship with them and learn about our Saviour. Please contact Megan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a flyer or for additional information.
  
  
• The latest young peoples' magazine of Covenant ERC in Singapore, Salt Shakers, was received and posted (June 2019 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  

Missionary-pastor D. Kleyn preaching in the PRCP misison station of Albuera, Leyte (2017)

PRC MISSION NEWS:

Domestic Labors:

• 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.
• From Byron Center PRC's bulletin today we find this note: "Missionary Spriensma is preaching at Trinity PRC today."
  
• And that is tied to this note from Trinity PRC's bulletin today: "Please plan on attending a short presentation by Rev. Spriensma after our evening service on August 4. This presentation will highlight the three ways missions being done in our churches, the methods that the Domestic Mission Committee is using in their mission work, and how Rev. Spriensma can be of assistance to our churches. This presentation will begin about 15 minutes after the evening service, and all are invited to attend."

United Kingdom:

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. McGeown is preaching today and will lead the Bible study Tuesday 8 PM in Corbally beginning at 2 Peter 1:4b.
  • Rev. McGeown recently lectured in Margam Community Centre, Margam, Port Talbot, Wales on “The Development of God’s Covenant” (5): “Jacob.”

• The March 2019 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station was received and posted recently.

Philippine Missions:

• *PRC in Bulacan, (the calling church of the mission work in Albuera, Leyte) extended the call to Rev. Ibe (Berean PRC) to serve as missionary/pastor with the saints in Albuera, Leyte. Today Rev. Ibe announced his acceptance of this call, which means that the PRCP will have its first missionary as a denomination. We rejoice with them in God's good provision of a man for this work.
• The last Philippines mission newsletter was received and posted in July 2019 and may be found on this PRC webpage.
  
• 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!
  

Let us continue in prayer to the Lord for the fulfillment of the needs of these busy pastors and missionaries in the Philippines. May the Lord of the harvest give them grace to be faithful and encouraged in all their labors.

India:

• Let us remember to pray for the Lord's blessing on Georgetown PRC's labor in Vellore, India.
• And we remember our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. From the CERC's bulletin today this may be noted: "We thank God for the safe return of Eld Wee and Eld Leong for their delegate visit to Kolkata. Together with Rev. Singh, the elders have conducted membership interviews with the saints who have completed the pre-confession class for the past year."
  

Myanmar:

• Let us also remember Hope PRC's (Grand Rapids, MI) support of and involvement with Rev. Titus' work in Myanmar; for his latest report, visit this page.