This Week's PRC and Sister-Church News, March 22-28, 2020 (Updated)

Today, March 22, is the twelfth Lord's Day of 2020; we may note the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

​It’s odd, strange to be home on Sunday morning, separated from one another, gathered as families, alone, or just as a couple. And that feeling is good; it is good that it feels strange, and feels strange to our children and even to our toddlers. We don’t want the strangeness to wear off. God is showing us how great is the blessing we have been given as a congregation in Christ, and how crucial Sunday worship is for our souls. Our feelings are expressed by David in Psalm 42:4.  In the midst of many burdens and catastrophes he said: “I had gone with them that kept the Holy Day”. David’s way was only darker and more lonely when he was deprived of going up to God’s house with his fellow believers.

​But this does not mean we cannot set this day apart as holy to the Lord our God. We will come apart to be with our Risen Lord. God will hear our voices in this day, voices of praise and worship! We will be renewed in this day in the hope that is ours! We will draw near to God! And we will be bound by one Spirit as one body in one Lord and one faith!

​We do this in our own homes. We do this by using the gift of our modern media to hear messages from God’s Word directed to us.... And God will bless us with strength for today and sure hope for tomorrow. ~ Rev. C. Haak in a Sunday morning note to his congregation, Georgetown PRC (Hudsonville, MI)

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• The significant news again this Sunday is the impact of the pandemic coronavirus on the PRC congregations, sister churches, and mission fields. The Lord in His wise providential plan and hand has humbled us and the peoples of this world, that we may realize how frail we are, that we may see how dreadful our sin is that brought such disease and death into the world, but also that we may find anew our total help in God and our only hope of salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. May we by faith submit ourselves to our God, listen to His Word, and find peace and comfort in our Savior.
  
  Many of our congregations are not holding services today; others are gathering in small numbers because of size limitations set by our earthly rulers. Some members of our sister churches are under quaratine and forbidden to gather; our missionaries in the Philippines are limited in their travels and therefore in their labors. As we honor our local, state, and federal governments and submit to their mandates at this time, may we also reflect on and treasure our indestructible unity in Christ as His body, and join in worship through praise and prayer to glorify our great God and Father. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (Rev.15:4)
  
  
• Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) is considering calls from Cornerstone PRC (Dyer, IN) and Kalamazoo (MI) PRC. He plans to answer both by March 29. May the Lord guide his consideration of these calls.
  
  
• The Consistory of Providence PRC has announced a new trio from which to call their next pastor: Revs. G. Eriks (Hudsonville PRC), Rev. M. McGeown (Limerick Mission, Ireland), and Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh PRC). They plan to call from this trio this evening. *Rev. M. McGeown has received this call.
  
  
• The Consistory of First PRC, Edmonton has formed a new trio from which to call a new pastor: Rev J. Engelsma (Doon PRC), Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC), and Rev. M. Vanderwal (Wingham PRC). The congregational meeting is set for Sunday afternoon, March 29.
  
  
• The Council of Unity PRC formed the following trio from which to call her first pastor: Revs. E.Guichelaar (Randolph PRC), J. Mahtani (Grandville PRC), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). A congregational meeting is scheduled for April 15.
  
  
• "The Council of Grandville Protestant Reformed Church has been informed by Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church that they have received a rejection of their last appeal with the Singapore government for an employment pass for Rev. J. Mahtani. This rejection stems from unexpected complications arising from Rev. Mahtani’s prior Singaporean citizenship and that country’s required military service. CERC has now exhausted the appeal process with the Singapore government. In light of this information Grandville PRC announces to the churches that Rev. Mahtani is eligible for a call on April 1, 2020."
  
  
• This week Rev. H. Bleyenberg and his wife Deb left West Michigan for Lacombe, AB, where he has accepted the call to serve Immanuel PRC. However, they were turned back at the Canadian border due to new COVID-19-related border restrictions. They have since returned to West Michigan for the present time. May the Lord soon open the way for them to go to their new church home. Rev. T. Miersma is bringing the word in Lacombe again today.
  
  
• Did you know... that some of our churches and sister churches are holding services even with very small numbers (10 people) so that the rest of the congregation can participate in worship at home and still hear the lively preaching of God's Word? We thank the Lord for the modern technology that allows our members to do so! And we thank the Lord for our elders and pastors who are willing to do this for the benefit of many. May the gospel of Jesus Christ be heard near and far!
  

DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

Classis East Report (March 17, 2020 at Hudsonville PRC):

At the request of the Consistories of Faith, Grace, and Hope, the Classical Committee of Classis East called for the convening of a meeting today to consider the request of Rev. David Overway to be released from the ministry according to Article 12 of the Church Order.

Rev. Bruinsma led in opening devotions and declared classis properly constituted. Rev. N. Decker, by rotation, presided as chairman of the meeting. Because Michigan’s Governor signed an executive order banning assemblies of more that 50 people effective at 9:00am on March 17until 5:00pm on April 5, a recommendation was made to adjourn and treat the items on the agenda at the regular meeting of classis on May 13. The motion failed. Instead classis passed a motion to meet in closed session in order to comply with the governor’s order. The Consistory of Wingham decided not to send delegates due to the possibility that they would not be able to return home or that they would be required to be quarantined upon reentry into Canada.

The decision of Classis East in answer to Rev. Overway’s request to be released from the ministry will be announced to the churches by Hope PRC’s Council.

Other actions taken by classis include: a. Approving a subsidy request for $40,000 for Kalamazoo PRC for 2021 to be forwarded to Synod 2020 for its approval. b. Approving a classical appointment schedule for five(!) vacant churches: Cornerstone, Hope, Kalamazoo, Providence, and Unity PRCs. May the Lord send us pastors! c. Approving the work of the Church Visitors in the labors they performed helping the Council of Hope PRC. d. Appointing Rev. R. Van Overloop Moderator for Hope PRC. e. Appointing Rev. C. Spronk to a three-year term as Stated Clerk of Classis East.

Classis adjourned around 2:30pm. May the Lord use these decisions for the good of those who are directly affected, for good of our denomination, and for His glory.

In Christ’s Service, Rev. Clay Spronk Stated Clerk, Classis East

PRC Contact Committee News:

First, our sister church, the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland, reports that they have decided to close the mission station in Limerick, Ireland that they had been overseeing for the past ten years. Rev. McGeown will likely stay in Limerick for the next six months and will then, the Lord willing, move to the United States. We submit this disappointment to the good Providence of God who is alone wise. Remember the saints in Limerick and Rev. McGeown in your prayers.

Second, the Singapore government is placing anyone who visits Singapore under quarantine for two weeks. This will hamper for some time the PRCA's attempts to supply CERCS' pulpit. Remember our brothers and sisters in Singapore in a time when they are without an under-shepherd and now are cut off from our help in many ways. May the Great Shepherd of the sheep care for his flock in these circumstances, as we trust He will.

Third, the government of the Philippines has restricted travel inside the country. This limits the work our missionaries are able to do in areas outside their immediate vicinity. We remain confident that in spite of this"...the word of God is not bound" 2 Timothy 2:9. May that word yet go forth in these uncertain times to the saving and strengthening of His people, and to the glory of His name.

Minister Updates:

• “This past Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Hope Protestant Reformed Church, of Walker Michigan, with the concurrence of Classis East and the synodical delegates of Classis West, has granted Rev. David Overway’s request to be released from the ministry according to Article 12 of the Church Order. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon the decisions of Classis and may His church rest in Him.”
• The Council of Grandville Protestant Reformed Church has been informed by Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church that they have received a rejection of their last appeal with the Singapore government for an employment pass for Rev. Mahtani. This rejection stems from unexpected complications arising from Rev. Mahtani’s prior Singaporean citizenship and that country’s required military service. CERC has now exhausted the appeal process with the Singapore government. In light of this information Grandville PRC announces to the churches that Rev. Mahtani is eligible for a call on April 1, 2020.
• "First Protestant Reformed Church of Edmonton has released their pastor, Rev. John Marcus, under Article 11 of the Church Order with the concurrence of Classis West and the synodical delegates. Rev. Marcus is now available for call within the Protestant Reformed Churches."

PRC Seminary News:

• The seminary is entering its tenth week of the second semester. The class schedule and calendar may be found on the seminary's website. The students have finished their mid-terms exams and soon the second round of practice preaching will be here. Remember to pray for the faculty, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the work of this new semester.
  
  
• This past week the seminary hosted four young men from Covenant CHS in Grand Rapids who show interest in pursuing the ministry. They joined faculty and students for devotions, sat down with Profs. B. Huizinga and D. Kuiper to talk about the call to the ministry, visited Prof. R. Dykstra's church history class, and enjoyed lunch with us. We are thankful for this opportunity and pray that it encourages others to do the same.
• Sem. Josiah Tan and his wife and children returned to Singapore recently due to the declining health of his mother. Pray for him and his family during this difficult time.
  
  
• The faculty and students will be holding a meeting of the Student Club this Thursday, March 26, beginning at 7:00 PM, at Prof. R. Dykstra’s house.  They plan to discuss the first entry in the book, The Rock Whence We are Hewn.  The contribution is divided into five chapters and is the transcription and translation of a speech by Rev. H. Danhof entitled “The Idea of the Covenant of Grace.” (This year is the centennial of the publication of that speech.)
  
  
• Are you in need of some good Reformed books to read, Bible study materials or seminary publications to use? Come and visit the seminary's bookstore! We have a variety of Bibles, commentaries, and good books - used and new - for our members and friends. And you may also make use of our library - here's the link to our online catalog if you wish to search for something to read or use.
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 30th. 
  
  
• Need for Ministers: Synod 2019 took a decision to place the urgent need for seminary students before our churches. 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. If you wish to listen to a couple of sermons by our professors that address this need, listen to "The (Suffering) Minister's Steadfast Confession" and "The Beautiful Feet of the Gospel Preacher."

• For more seminary news and information, visit the PRC seminary website! 

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, the following may be mentioned:
  
  • Concerning pulpit supply from the PRC, our sister church had this update in today's bulletin: This past Wednesday, our Government has announced more measures in an effort to try to contain the spread of COVID-19 by restricting travelling abroad and for those entering / returning to Singapore. One of which is the “Stay Home Notice (SHN)” for all short-term visitors entering Singapore. This would mean that the PRCA’s ministers scheduled to provide pulpit supply would not be able to come into Singapore, unless they serve a 14 days SHN upon arrival. Session felt that we should not subject our ministers to this notice. Therefore, Rev Marcus’s trip is cancelled. Rev Mahtani can wait for a little longer before deciding whether to cancel his trip should the SHN be not lifted.
  • *The February 2020 newsletter - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently and may be found on this page. 

• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC,  the following may be noted:
  • Rev. A. Stewart led Covenant's services today.
    
  • Read the latest CPRC newsletter - February 2020!
  • Join Reformed believers from around the world at the 2020 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 11 to Saturday, July 18.  Our speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Rev. Andy Lanning, will lecture on "Union with Christ".  For information see the website http://brfconference.weebly.com or contact Briana Prins at 616-214-2779;  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Rooms are filling quickly, so complete your booking form today!
  • Read the new February 2020 issue of the "Covenant Reformed News"!
    
    
• Concerning the PRC in the Philippines, the following may be gleaned from the bulletins of the Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident CC:
  
  • Congregational and Denominational News:

~ Maranatha PRC: Rev. R. Smit, our missionary will lead us in both Worship Services. D.V. You may join us in our Worship Services via Facebook: Maranatha Protestant Reformed Church. This is in compliance to the declaration of our President to have a self-quarantine (total lock-down) that is to stay at home to avoid contamination of that virus with other person. This will take affect in the wholeIsland of the Philippines from March 15 to April 12, 2020.

~ Provident PRC: (From the elders): All our church activities are still postponed in light of the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine until further notice. Our Lord's Day Worship Services in our church sanctuary are still postponed but we will observe the sabbath in our households through family worship. To support and ensure this, we will be sending video links of Zion PRC with full worship services, so that we may participate and experience the whole worship services in our homes in the morning and the evening by the grace of God. We will be sending two (2) video links, the first video link for First Worship Service in the morning and the second video link for the Second Worship Service in the evening.

~ The most recent mission newsletter (January 2020) was published and distributed in February.

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

• 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.

What is your response to the Son of God who died on the cross for sinners? Do you revile Him or revere Him? Read this resource to learn more.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• The Reformed Book Outlet will be closed through April 4 for the safety of our volunteers. If you need to place an order or have questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will not be answering the phone. Thank you.
  
  
• Are you looking for 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.
  
  
• Would you like to learn more about the PRC and her doctrines and practices? Are you 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.

• Llisten to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you or on Sermonaudio wherever you are!
  • Continuing this month, Rev. R. Kleyn (Covenant of Grace PRC in Spokane, WA) is delivering a series on prayer, with today's message titled "The Prayer of the Christian Soldier" based on Luke 11:4. Listen to the broadcast on the station near you or visit the links provided here to listen to this program.
    
  • From the Reformed Witness Hour Committee:

~ The Reformed Witness Hour Committee wishes to remind everyone that you can receive their bi-monthly newsletter via email simply by signing up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL.  Each newsletter contains information about places around our globe where the RWH is downloaded; news about the RWH’s witness on the radio and via the internet, printed booklet, and CD and links to many popular and relevant RWH messages.

~ A 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:

• 2020 PRYP's Convention News! Registration for the 2020 Young People’s Convention opened on Monday, March 16!
  • The convention is planned for August 10-14, 2020 at the Lake Williamson Camp in Carlinville, IL. To register as a chaperone, go to www.prcconvention.com , and follow the instructions under the Chaperone tab. If you have any questions, email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • URGENT NEED:  There are two weeks left to sign up to be a Chaperone for this year’s convention.  We still need 20 Men and 10 Women chaperones. Sign up now at prcconvention.com.  If you are thinking about it and have questions please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or give us a call. Kathy Decker 616-719-6482.  We need you!  Registration for Chaperones closes March 31. 
    
    
• Young Men's Conference - Young men of High School and College age, please plan to attend the GPRC Young Men’s Conference, with the theme of "Run, Fight, Lead!", on Saturday morning, April 25, from 8 am-12:00 pm, at Georgetown Protestant Reformed Church. Breakfast is included! Don’t wait, register today!  For more details and to register please visit georgetownprc.org/runfightlead
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2020 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 30th. 
  
  
• The Western Young People's Retreat, hosted by the Lynden and Spokane Young Peoples, will be held July 14-17, 2020, at Camp Sanders in N. Idaho.  This is a retreat for Young People ages 13-18 (going into 9th-12th grade).  More information and registration will be available in March. Contact Rev. Kleyn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.

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.

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown led the services today.
  • (From the PRC Contact Commitee) Our sister church, the Covenant Protestant Reformed Church in Northern Ireland, reports that they have decided to close the mission station in Limerick, Ireland that they had been overseeing for the past ten years. Rev. McGeown will likely stay in Limerick for the next six months and will then, the Lord willing, move to the United States. We submit this disappointment to the good providence of God who is alone wise. Remember the saints in Limerick and Rev. McGeown in your prayers.
  • The last mission newsletter from the Limerick Reformed Fellowship - the December 2019 edition - may be found here.

Philippine Missions:

• Berean PRC News: This congregation continues to work in Gabaldon, Nueve Ecija.
• Provident PRC News: The trip of our two missionaries Rev. D. Kleyn and Rev. R. Smit to Canturay Church and Inayawan Church, Sipalay, Negros Occ. to preach and teach to the two congregations is cancelled due to the Community Quarantine from March 15 to April 12, 2020. Let us remember to pray for their missionary work.
• The newest Philippines mission newsletter has been published and posted! The January 2020 issue may be read here.
  
• 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!
  

We remember in prayer 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.
  

• Let us pray for our sister church's work (Covenant ERC in Singapore) in Kolkata, through Rev. E. Singh. In the CERC's bulletin was this notice about the work there: On the mission field, our Kolkata fellowship is also affected by the virus situation and the Indian Government has ordered a curfew from 7am to 9 pm on this Sunday to tackle coronavirus in India. The worship service in Kolkata on this Sunday will be cancelled.

Myanmar:

• We 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.