On this thirty-second Lord's Day of 2019, August 11, 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 make plain to him 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.
  
  
• Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) has extended a call to Cand. M. Kortus (July 14). Today and next Sunday her pulpit will be supplied again by Rev. J. Laning of Hull PRC (Iowa).
  
  
• Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) extended a call to Candidate J. Maatman (July 21). Today, Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. C. Haak 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.
  
  
• The delegation sent to Mexico on behalf of First PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) plans to return tomorrow August 12, the Lord willing. May the Lord grant them a blessed gfinal Lord's Day among the saints there and give them safe travels on the morrow.
  
  
• From Byron Center PRC's Council we find this significant note in her bulletin today: "At the meeting this past Wednesday our Council approved the request of those desiring to organize a daughter church and is forwarding this request to Classis East which will meet on September 11. There are 55 families, 17 individuals and a total of 215 souls that have signed to be part of this new church which, if the Lord wills to be organized, will be named Unity Protestant Reformed Church. We thank our heavenly Father for His blessing upon this work. To God be the glory!"
  
  
• This is the week of the PRC Young People's Convention, hosted by Providence and Southwest PRC's. The convention will be held at Michindoh Conference Center in Hillsdale, MI. The annual Pre-Convention Singspiration will be held tonight at Fair Haven Church at 8:15 pm. May the Lord bless and keep our young people, chaperones, and leaders this week, and grant them a time of sweet fellowship and rich spiritual growth.

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:

• The seminary is now in its summer break, but the second semester begins in just two weeks - August 26.  In addition to all the other activities and the renovation project of the summer, faculty and staff continue preparing for the new semester in the Fall, the schedule for which has been posted on the seminary's website. The seminary is open daily (M-F) during the summer and staff is available to assist with any needs.
  
  
• 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 and they are busying themselves in all the activities and labors involved with their new life and work in the seminary.
  
  
• 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.

• Be sure to 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 the painting was completed in the library (see picture above) and the rest of the ceiling tiles were installed. Outside, the new roof over the library was completed and the old siding on the back of the building was repainted. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.
  
  

*Launceston EPC, Australia

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC) is currently serving CERC as part of a three-Sunday stay.
  • Today's bulletin contains this significant notice: "Both of our Seminary students will be returning to the US on 15 Aug to prepare for their studies. Josiah will go into his 4th year and Marcus will be in his 2nd year. Do pray for both the students and their families. There are many challenges they face from time to time while living there and with their studies, do keep encouraging them and pray for them."
  • 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:
  
  • Rev. V. Ibe has accepted the call to serve as PRCP missionary in Albuera, Leyte.
    
  • "Rev. Ibe will lead us in our worship services today. Rev. Ibe is also scheduled to preach at Kerusso Community church at 3 P.M. and the Church Order class at 5P.M."
  • "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.”"
• PRC in Bulacan:
  • Rev. Flores and Elder Mescallado are visiting with the saints in Albuera, Leyte today. Rev. Flores is scheduled to lead them in their worship services today, the Lord willing.
• Maranatha PRC:

  • "Rev. R. Smit, our Missionary will lead us in both services. He will continue teaching the Belgic Confession Art. 22, “Faith in Jesus Christ.”. D.V. Rev. L. Trinidad will be teaching the Catechism to our children. D.V."

• Provident CC:
  • "Rev. Holstege will preach both times today. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper in the first service. The second service will not only be Applicatory but also will be dedicated to the beginning of our seminary this Tuesday morning, as requested by Committee 1. We will entrust our school to God in congregational prayer and hear a sermon on the biblical mandate to train faithful men for the ministry of the gospel."
  • 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:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart is leading the services today.
  • 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.

Do you know Jehovah the Savior? 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 "Irresistible Grace (1)" (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 is the week - the 2019 PRYP's Convention will be held this week Monday through Friday (Aug.12-16) at Michindoh Conference Center in Hillsdale, MI.! Southwest and Providence PRCs are hosting this years' event. May the Lord bless and keep our young people, chaperones, and leaders this week, and grant them a time of sweet fellowship and rich spiritual growth.
  
  
• 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.
  

*The Dorr Bible Study meets this week - see note below.

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 today at the daughter congregation at 3 PM (note the special start time for their evening service) and Hudsonville PRC at 5:30 PM. Next week he will be filling the pulpit at Cornerstone PRC."
• *The Dorr Bible Study meets this Thursday, August 15, at 7:30 PM. Our discussion will begin at John 7:17. Join us at the Dorr library with your friends and neighbors to study God's Word.

United Kingdom:

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. McGeown is preaching today and will lead the Bible study Tuesday 8 PM in Corbally.
  • 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 to this field. Rev. Ibe has accepted 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.
  

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.
  

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.
  

First PRC of Grand Rapids, MI and the Reformed Witness Hour Committee announce the messages scheduled for August 2019 on the RWH radio/Internet program.

Rev. C. Griess, pastor of First PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) continues a new series on the five-points of Calvinism in connection with the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dordt.

August 4 - Total Depravity (2) - John 6:44, 65,66

August 11 - Irresistible Grace (1) - John 6:37

August 18 - Irresistible Grace (2) - John 6:44

August 25 - Preservation of the Saints (1) - John 10:27-29

You are encouraged to listen to these important messages and to let others know about them too. Help spread the word about the Reformed Witness Hour, now in its 78th year of broadcasting the truths of God's sovereign, particular, efficacious grace!

Visit our website for the latest podcast and for other news and information!

*We also have a new station in southern California on which we are broadcasting! Here are the details and website: Saturday’s 9:30p – PST on KPRZ 1210 AM & 106.1 FM.  San Diego’s # 1 Christian Teaching Talk station - www.kprz.com

Spread the word and listen in if you are in that area!

And don't forget our Spanish programs on YouTube!

Use the attached flyer (pdf) to spread the news of these important gospel messages!

PO Box 1230, Grand Rapids MI, 49501 | reformedwitnesshour.org | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you wish to be added to the mailing list to receive the printed booklet of the messages each month, send an email to Judi Doezema at doezema at prca.org.

*Special RWH newsletter note: Did you know that Reformed Witness Hour messages are downloaded each month by saints all over the world—saints living in South Africa, Cambodia, Nigeria, and China? If you would like to stay informed about the reach of this distinctly Reformed radio and internet ministry and about ways you can support this witness, sign up at http://eepurl.com/gikNsL for a bimonthly newsletter.

On this thirtieth Lord's Day of 2019, July 28, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On July 14 Cand. M. Kortus received the call to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB).  On July 21 he also received the call to Hope PRC's (Redlands, CA). May the King of the church give him clear guidance with regard to these calls.

• On July 21 Cand. J. Maatman received the call to Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI). We thank the Lord for this confirmation of his call to the ministry and pray that the Lord shows him plainly His will.
  
  
• On July 11 the congregation of Grandville PRC voted to extend a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon IA PRC) 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.
  
  
• The PRC Synod of 2019 called Rev. Brian Huizinga to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he accepted this call. He preached his farewell in Hope PRC (Redlands, CA) last Sunday and moved to West Michigan this past week. 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 and next Sunday her pulpit will be supplied by Rev. R. Barnhill of Peace PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) voted to call Candidate J. Maatman (July 21). Today, Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. M. DeVries (Kalamazoo PRC)  are leading the worship services for her. And a reminder: The congregation is currently worshiping at Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location.
  
  
• From First PRC's bulletin today comes this important note: "This Wednesday, July 31, our Pastor [Rev. C.Griess] and Lael will travel 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."
  
  
• From Byron Center PRC: "The Council of BC PRC would like to inform members of our denomination that on Sunday, July 7, our church will begin holding separate worship services for members from our church hoping to form a daughter church. The worship services will be held at Zion Christian School in Byron Center, MI at 9:30 AM and 5PM."
  

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.
• The PRC Synod of 2019 called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he accepted this call. 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.

Contact Commitee: On behalf of the Contact Committee of the PRCA, Prof. Barry Gritters and Rev. Daniel Holstege visited the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia, a denomination with whom we have a corresponding relationship as churches. 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. Rev. Holstege returned home this past week and Prof. Gritters plans to this week. May the Lord be pleased to use their work for the maintaining and strengthening of our relationship with the EPCA.

Senior Retreat:

The lodge at Gull Lake Ministries, location of this Fall's Senior Retreat

• Registration for the Senior Retreat (Sept 17-20) is about to close. Have you sent in yours?  Deadline is August 1 - that's THIS week Thursday, so don’t delay.  Come and enjoy fellowship with others from around the country.  If you have questions call Barb Velthouse at 1-616-745-0770 or go to zionprc.org. The dates are Sept 17-20 at Gull Lake Ministries (MI). The theme is ‘God’s Care For Us.’ Forms are available at Zion PRC's website. Click on Senior Retreat.

PRC Seminary News:

• The PRC Synod of 2019 called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he accepted this call. 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 moved to West Michigan this past week. 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 is currently in Australia for a conference on the Synod of Dordt and various meetings. Prof. R. Cammenga will be leaving for Mexico this 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, 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 those on our mailing list, your issue has been mailed. 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 (doors and trim work stained, electrical wiring done, hvac, etc.). In the library, the focus continues on the trim work, with the majority of it now completed and the first coat of stain appled (see photo above). Outside, the rooftop units were installed and some wiring done, while the rest of the underground sprinkling was finished. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.
  
  

*Rev. V. Ibe, pastor of Berean PRC - and soon to be PRCP missionary - see news below.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife are completing today their most recent time of service in CERC on behalf of the PRC Contact Committee. For the next three Sundays Rev. Jonathan Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC) and his family will be serving this congregation.
  • On July 11 Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) received the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. From her bulletin on July 21 we find this note: "We heard last Lord’s day that Grandville PRC has extended a call to Rev Joshua Engelsma to serve as Minister on Loan (MOL) to Singapore. We continue to pray that the Lord will make it clear to him His will as he considers this call. Rev Engelsma has acknowledged receipt of this call and will answer the call on 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:
  
  • *Rev. V. Ibe has been considering the call to serve as PRCP missionary in Albuera, Leyte. Today he announced his acceptance of this call.
  • "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.”"
• PRC in Bulacan:
  

  • The PRC in Bulacan, (the calling church of the mission work in Albuera, Leyte) extended a 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.

• Maranatha PRC:
  • Today Rev. D. Kleyn, our Missionary will lead us the first and Second services. He will continue teaching the Belgic Confession. D.V.
• Provident CC:
  • "Rev. and Leah Holstege came home from Australia last Wednesday night. We thank God for giving safe travels. Rev. Holstege will preach for us today and next Sunday, D.V.

  • Catechism classes for the children and youth will begin this Saturday. The children should prepare to answer the questions in Lesson 1 of the OT Bible Stories for Beginners. They will meet at 10:00 am. The youth should prepare to answer the questions in Lesson 1 of the Essentials of Reformed Doctrine. They will meet at 9:00 am. Rev. Holstege will pass out catechism books today after the worship services.

  • 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:
  
  • 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.
  • From the PRC Contact Commitee: "On behalf of the Contact Committee of the PRCA, Prof. Barry Gritters and Rev. Daniel Holstege visited the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia, a denomination with whom we have a corresponding relationship as churches. 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. Rev. Holstege returned home this past week and Prof. Gritters plans to this week. May the Lord be pleased to use their work for the maintaining and strengthening of our relationship with the EPCA."
  • 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.

What does God require of married persons? 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 (1)" (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). Look for new messages each week - and help spread the word!

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• The 2019 PRYP's Convention is only weeks 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.
  

*This misison work now has a missionary! Read about it below.

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 Peace PRC today."
• And this one too; "The Dorr Bible Study meets this Thursday, August 1, at 7:30 PM. Our discussion will begin at John 7:1. Join us at the Dorr library with your friends and neighbors to study God's Word."
• From Trinity PRC's bulletin today we find this relevant note: "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 1:4.
  • Rev. McGeown lectured this past Thursday 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 back 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: "Pray for Elder Leong and Elder Wee who are spending time this weekend with our missionary Rev. Emmanuel Singh and the church of Jesus Christ in India. Try to image some of the difficulties they face as a church of Jesus Christ."
  

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.
  

On this twenty-ninth Lord's Day of 2019, July 21, the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, sister churches, and mission fields may be mentioned.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On July 14 Cand. M. Kortus received the call to Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB). He is leading her in worship again today. The next two Sundays will be supplied by Rev. R. Barnhill of Peace PRC (Dyer, IN).
  
  
• On July 11 the congregation of Grandville PRC voted to extend a call to Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon IA PRC) 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.
  
  
• The PRC Synod of 2019 called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he accepted this call. He plans to preach his farewell in Hope PRC today. 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 bid farewell to their congregation and take up their new life and work in the seminary.
  
  
• Due to Hope PRC's (Redlands, CA) approaching vacancy (cf. note above), the Council has formed the following trio: Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC), and Candidates M. Kortus and J. Maatman. The congregation plans to vote today after the evening service. *Cand. M. Kortus has received this call.
  
  
• The Council of Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) has formed a new trio consisting of Rev. J. Mahtani (Cornerstone PRC), and Candidates M. Kortus and J. Maatman. The congregation will vote from this trio TODAY after the evening service. *Cand. J. Maatman has received this call. And a reminder: The congregation is currently worshiping at Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location. Today, Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. N. Decker are leading the worship services for her.
  
  
• From First PRC's bulletin today comes this important note: "The Lord willing, on July 31, a delegation of Prof. R. Cammenga, Rev. R. Kleyn, and Rev. C. Griess will be making a trip to Mexico to give lectures in two different denominations of churches.  Doner Bartolon and Samuel Vasquez (Redlands PRC) will be translating.  Susanna Bartolon, Lael Griess, Rhonda Cammenga, Bryan Pastoor, Madelyn Monsma and Lydia Monsma will be assisting as well.  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."
• And from Covenant PRC's (Spokane, WA) bulletin today we find this similar note: "Next Wednesday, July 31, our pastor will travel to Mexico City with a delegation including Prof. Cammenga and Rev. Griess (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 IPC congregations in Chiapas. The visitors will also have opportunity to preach in these two denominations. Conference and speech topics include: Eschatology, Training for Office Bearers, Women in Office, The Sacraments, the Synod of Dort, and a Critique of Reformational Theology."
  
  
• From Byron Center PRC: "The Council of BC PRC would like to inform members of our denomination that on Sunday, July 7, our church will begin holding separate worship services for members from our church hoping to form a daughter church. The worship services will be held at Zion Christian School in Byron Center, MI at 9:30 AM and 5PM."
  

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.
• The PRC Synod of 2019 called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he accepted this call. 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.

Senior Retreat:

The lodge at Gull Lake Ministries, location of this Fall's Senior Retreat

• Registration for the Senior Retreat (Sept 17-20) is open. Have you sent in your reservation?  Deadline is August 1, so don’t delay.  Come and enjoy fellowship with others from around the country.  If you have questions call Barb Velthouse at 1-616-745-0770 or go to zionprc.org. The dates are Sept 17-20 at Gull Lake Ministries (MI). The theme is ‘God’s Care For Us.’ Forms are available at Zion PRC's website. Click on Senior Retreat.

PRC Seminary News:

• The PRC Synod of 2019 called Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope PRC, Redlands, CA) to replace Prof. Cammenga as Professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament. On June 30 he accepted this call. His installation as professor of theology is set for Wednesday Sept.4 during a divine worship service at Grandville PRC (7 pm). May God uphold him and his family and provide for all their needs as they bid farewell to their congregation and take up their new life and work in the seminary.
  
  
• The seminary is now in its summer break. The faculty will be busy with various trips and speaking engagements.  Prof. B. Gritters is curretly in Australia for a conference on the Synod of Dordt. Prof. R. Cammenga will be leaving for Mexico next 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. 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. They are eligible for a call on or after July 13, 2019.
  
  
• One of the new students entering seminary this Fall is Isaac Peters from the EPC of Australia. Isaac and his wife Rebecca and four children arrived safely in Grand Rapids, MI on July 10. Grace PRC is assisting in their needs while here, and they will be attending this congregation. We pray for a smooth transition for the Peters into life in West Michigan.
  
  
• The Spring 2019 issue of the PR Theological Journal is now available! For those on our mailing list, your issue has been mailed. 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/renovation project, both inside and out (new archives and offices). This past week more work was completed in the new offices (doors, trim work, HVAC - see photo above). In the library, the focus continues on the trim work. Outside, topsoil was brought in ahead of reseeding the back yard area and the underground sprinkling was reconnected. Visit the seminary news section for pics and more information.
  
  

*

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following:
  • Rev. A. denHartog and his wife are currently serving the congregation on behalf of the PRC Contact Committee. Concerning this supply and the future the CERC had this notice in today's bulletin: "...We are again thankful to God for providing Pastor den Hartog to preach for us for the last four months. Next week will be his last Lord’s day with us. We are thankful to God for him and Sherry for their love for the saints in Covenant. After Pastor den Hartog, the Lord has provided Rev Jonathan Mahtani to take the pulpit for three Lord’s day."
  • *On July 11 Rev. J. Engelsma (Doon PRC) received the call from Grandville PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant ERC in Singapore. From her bulletin today we find this note: "We heard last Lord’s day that Grandville PRC has extended a call to Rev Joshua Engelsma to serve as Minister on Loan (MOL) to Singapore. We continue to pray that the Lord will make it clear to him His will as he considers this call. Rev Engelsma has acknowledged receipt of this call and will answer the call on 18 August."
    
  • Her latest newsletter (June 2019) - Reformed News Asia - was posted recently posted and may be found on this page.
  • The last issue of the young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers (June 2019) 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:

  • Rev. R.Smit is leading her in worship today.

  • Rev. V. Ibe is considering the call to serve as PRCP missionary in Albuera, Leyte.
  • 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."
• PRC in Bulacan:
  

  • "PRC in Bulacan, (the calling church of the mission work in Albuera, Leyte) extends the call to Rev. Ibe (Berean PRC) to serve as missionary/pastor with the saints in Albuera, Leyte.

  • Revs. Flores and Ibe are in Albuera, Leyte this weekend and Lord's Day (July 18-21, 2019).
• Maranatha PRC:
  • "Rev. L. Trinidad, our Pastor will lead us in both services. He will be teaching the Revelation. D.V. Next week Rev. D. Kleyn, our Missionary will lead us the first and Second services. He will continue teaching the Belgic Confession. D.V."
• Provident CC:
  • "Rev. Kleyn will preach for us today, and Rev. Holstege will preach for us next Sunday.
  • Rev. and Leah Holstege are still in Brisbane, Australia for a few more days. Rev. Holstege was invited to speak at a conference (this past Friday and Saturday) on the Synod of Dordt sponsored by the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia (EPCA). He will also preach there today and give a presentation concerning the churches here in the Philippines. They plan to return home on Wednesday, DV."
  • 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:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart and Mary have returned to their work in CPRC after a vacation in the States.
  • 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.
  • Plans have been made for a Dordt400 conference involving EPC and PRC men. Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. D. Holstege are participating in that event this week.
    
  • 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.

Want to study the issue of common grace vs. particular grace? 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 "Limited Atonement" (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). Look for new messages each week - and help spread the word!

 
Are you a Beacon Lights subscriber?

ESPECIALLY FOR PRC Young People and Young Adults:

• The 2019 PRYP's Convention is only weeks 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.
  

Read about developments in this congregation in the latest Philippine mission newsletter (July 2019).

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 Cornerstone PRC today."

United Kingdom:

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News:
  • Rev. M. McGeown is back in his own pulpit today.
  • Rev. McGeown will speak in Margam Community Centre, Margam, Port Talbot, Wales on Thursday 25 July at 7.15 PM on “The Development of God’s Covenant” (5): “Jacob” (Part 2).

• 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.
• The last Philippines mission newsletter was received and posted back 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.
  

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.
  

PRCA FOREIGN MISSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
JULY 2019 NEWSLETTER

Rev. D. Holstege (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Rev. D. Kleyn (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) – Rev. R. Smit (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)
PO Box 1173 ACPO, Antipolo City, Rizal 1870, Philippines

Greetings from the Philippines to the members of our Protestant Reformed Churches and Sister Churches.

At the time of my writing this newsletter, my wife Sharon and I have been back in the Philippines from our extended furlough (5 ½ months) for just under two weeks. We were warmly welcomed home, first of all by a good dose of tropical heat and humidity. It may take us a while to get used to it again. One thing in our favor, at least, is that the cooler rainy season has now started. But more importantly, we were also warmly welcomed back by the Smits and Holsteges as well as by the saints in the churches here. It has been good to see everyone again. And it is good to be home again. We are thankful to be here and grateful for the opportunity we continue to have to serve the Lord and His church in this part of His kingdom.

The furlough began in January. Most striking to us, at first, was the cold of winter. After a few days of constant shivering, we realized we needed to put on more layers. Many more layers. In spite of the cold, we did enjoy winter again and were able to appreciate the beauty of that season.

The longer furlough also gave us plenty time to be with our families. We both appreciated this very much. We had ample time to reconnect with them all, including many nephews and nieces whom we hardly knew. A special aspect was the amount of time we could have with our parents – time we will always treasure. Other furlough activity included the following: preaching in many of our churches (15 of them), spending two Sundays in our calling church (Doon PRC), promoting the mission field through presentations in our Protestant Reformed schools, sorting through and shipping books we still had in storage, attending the annual Synod, etc. Through all these activities and more, we were impressed by the overwhelming show of support for the work in the Philippines. It was also good to hear of the excitement for the start of a seminary in the Philippines. All of this support is heartwarming and a great encouragement to us all.

Going into the furlough, my plan was to begin working on an advanced degree (a Masters in Theology). This is something which the FMC and Doon have encouraged us as missionaries to pursue, if at all possible. I was able to make a good beginning, but soon needed to switch gears. The change came about when the Classis of the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines made some decisions in February, 2019 that allowed for theological training in the PRCP to begin already in 2019. This meant that I needed to work instead on preparing the courses that I would be teaching in the PRCP’s seminary. That then became my focus during the remainder of the furlough. And the furlough was very helpful in that regard, not only because I was able to meet with and receive much helpful advice from our seminary professors, but also because I had more uninterrupted study time than I would on the mission field. I was also able to purchase the resources I will need for the classes I will be teaching as well as for the classes that the other missionaries plan to teach.

On behalf of my wife and myself, I take this opportunity to express our thanks to the churches for allowing us to take this furlough. We were able to accomplish many things during our time in the USA, and we were also rejuvenated for the work. Through the Lord’s blessing, the furlough served us very well. But now we are back in the Philippines. Time, therefore, to turn to some news from here.

While we were on furlough, Rev. Holstege and Rev. Smit were able to divide up the work in such a way that, for the most part, the work could continue as normal. This included providing pulpit supply in the PRCP churches, serving as advisors to consistories, standing committees and the Classis, continuing with the monthly visits to and lectures for the pastors in Southern Negros Occidental, hosting the annual delegation (Rev. J. Engelsma and Rev. N. Decker who came in February), teaching catechism classes, leading Bible studies, preaching and teaching among some of the newer groups/contacts, etc. Their workload did increase while I was gone, but the presence of three missionaries certainly helps a lot with furloughs, ensuring that ordinarily there are at least two of us here at any given time. That’s a good thing and very helpful as regards both the work and companionship.

I can also report concerning three significant developments in the churches here in the Philippines.

First of all, the PRCP now has a second sister church. As you know, a sister church relationship was established between the PRCP and PRCA in 2018. Now in 2019 a sister church relationship has been established between the PRCP and the CERCS (Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church in Singapore). These denominations are close to each other geographically (a 3 ½ hour flight from Manila to Singapore), and even culturally (both are in southeast Asian countries). More significant, however, is their closeness to each other doctrinally. By means of correspondence and visits, both denominations became convinced of their unity in the truth and thus of the need to become sisters. We rejoice with them at this important development and hope and pray they may be of mutual help and encouragement to each other.

Secondly, the PRCP now has a new member church. That new member is Provident Protestant Reformed Church (PPRC) in Marikina (picture above). Provident is a congregation of some 12 families. In addition to the families who are members, PPRC also has many regular attendees. The consistory consists of two elders and two deacons. This church has been a part of our labors since November, 2012. Through the work of Rev. Kleyn and then Rev. Holstege, the congregation has, over the years, become well established in the Reformed faith. For a good while, their desire had been to join the PRCP and this past February they eagerly applied for membership. The Contact Committee of the PRCP then met a number of times with the Consistory of PPRC, and as a fruit of these meetings, the CC recommended to Classis that PPRC be accepted into the churches. The Classis, at its June meeting, joyfully approved this recommendation. And so the churches have now grown from three to four. Those four are as follows: Berean PRC, PRC in Bulacan, Maranatha PRC, and Provident PRC. We thank the Lord for His blessing on the churches through the addition of this congregation. Christ does build His church. He continues to gather together the faithful remnant.

Thirdly, the PRCP plans soon to begin providing theological training for men who aspire to the gospel ministry. In fact, seminary instruction is set to begin on Tuesday, August 13. The Lord willing, we will have one student starting this year (2019), and perhaps three or more next year (2020). The students who hope to start next year are currently completing their pre-seminary requirements, which are very similar to the pre-seminary requirements in the PRCA.

As regards the instruction that will be given, the Classis of the PRCP has requested that we three PRCA missionaries provide that instruction for now. This does not mean, however, that we will be professors. For one thing, we have not been and will not be called and ordained as professors. But secondly, the seminary is being established by and belongs to the PRCP. As missionaries, we simply provide advice and assistance in this process. And the goal is that eventually the PRCP will be able to call its own men to be the professors. In the meantime, we missionaries will serve as the instructors.

The PRCP plans to provide instruction, for the most part, in the same subjects as are taught in the theological school of the PRCA. They also plan to incorporate a six-month internship in the training program. The total program will be 4 ½ years, mainly because Greek has been included as a seminary subject (not a pre-seminary subject). The courses we have each been asked to teach in the first year are as follows: Rev. Smit will teach Dogmatics and Greek Grammar, Rev. Kleyn will teach Church History/History of Dogma and Homiletics, and Rev. Holstege will teach Hermeneutics.

As we approach the start date, the work before us is daunting. But we are also excited about it and confident of the Lord’s guidance and blessing. We are thankful that the churches here will be able to train men for the gospel ministry, for that is indeed the need of the hour. And we covet your prayers for this significant and crucially important aspect of our labors here. May God be pleased to bless and prosper this work.

In Christian love,
Rev. Daniel Kleyn