PROTESTANT REFORMED FOREIGN MISSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWSLETTER

Greetings

Greetings in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Harvest, from the City of Antipolo, in the province of Rizal of the Philippines.

Here is an update regarding our labors in the past several months.

2022 Furloughs

My family enjoyed our furlough from May 31 to July 28, our first since being called back to labor here in December 2017. Rev. and Mrs. Daniel Kleyn enjoyed their furlough from July 11 to August 30.

When thinking about our respective furloughs in June to August 2022, now seemingly long passed already, I was reminded of a comment about furloughs in a book, The Reformed Church in China 1842-1951, written by Gerald F. De Jong. The comment appears on p. 80:

Furloughs for missionaries were, of course, necessary. Few critics could find fault with Philip Pritcher's observations that "missionaries, like all other busy workers, get run down, worn out, and on account of the unvarying daily routine... become more or less rusty. Physically, mentally, and spiritually the whole life is apt to, and very often does, become sluggish."

Although those observations were written in a vastly different age of transportation and communication in May 1897, yet his main point is certainly still apt. We, too, understand from experience the need for periodic furloughs among our PRCA congregations in North America, in the midst of our calling church in Doon, and among our respective families and friends. Although our furloughs involved a different kind of work, including overcoming jetlag, pulpit supply, some presentations, and attendance at various ecclesiastical meetings, yet they provided rest, vacation, and recuperation. As a result, we have returned to the field "oiled" for our ongoing task here. 

Our Task within the PRC in the Philippines

The first main part of our current task here has been providing pulpit supply to the vacant Provident PRC. Rev. Kleyn and I currently provide pulpit supply to Provident three Sundays per month. We continue providing pulpit supply in the Berean PRC when necessary. Usually that is the case for the Berean PRC in the weeks that Rev. Ibe is on vacation or when he is sent to Gabaldon to teach a catechism class and to lead a worship service on the first Sunday of each month. Sometimes we provide pulpit supply in the Berean PRC on the Sundays after a week when Rev. Ibe's pastoral workload is unusually heavy. We are thankful for the opportunity to be engaged regularly in sermon work and regular preaching for the PRCP congregations.

Our preaching task includes catechism instruction. Rev. Kleyn teaches two catechism classes in the Provident congregation: the Old Testament Bible History for the younger children, and the Reformed Doctrine class (Belgic Confession) for the teenagers. With the approval of the Doon consistory, I teach our four sons here since the class schedules in the Berean and Provident churches do not work for our family. I am teaching OT History for Beginners, Heidelberg Catechism, and Essentials of Reformed Doctrine.

A significant second element of our task within the PRCP is our role as teachers in their seminary program. We are teaching one seminary student, Bro. Ace Flores, who is in his third year of training. We have a pre-seminary student, Bro. Peter Zuniega, who has joined Bro. Ace in the NT Greek Grammar course. Rev. Kleyn teaches two courses (Hebrew Reading and Church Polity), while I am teaching Introduction to Dogmatics, Theology, and NT Greek Grammar. This part of our task keeps us busy each week in preparation and in the actual classroom instruction.

Our task within the PRCP includes a third component of leading Bible Study. Currently, the Council of Provident PRC has assigned me to lead the Wednesday night Bible Study. We have been studying the book of Acts, and currently are studying about the first New Testament martyr, Stephen, in chapter 7. There are on average about 17 persons in attendance.

Our task within the PRCP has included a fourth element of participating in conferences with lectures. We have done so in past years, and Rev. Kleyn had the opportunity to do so again in a conference on July 2 which was sponsored by the PRCP Classis for the PRCP membership. The conference addressed the topic of the recent schism in the PRCP and PRCA in 2021. In addition to Rev. J. Laning ("Repentance and Good Works") and Rev. W. Langerak ("The Covenant, Fellowship, and Good Works") from the PRCA, Rev. Kleyn also spoke on the schism under a speech entitled, "Church Political Matters." In addition to the speeches, Rev. Kleyn, Rev. Laning, and Rev. Langerak were kept busy with many questions and profitable discussion during the coffee and lunch breaks.

Finally, our formal task within the PRCP includes attending the Classis meetings of the PRCP and providing advice as a committee whenever asked for such by the consistories, the Classis, or one of its standing committees. The next PRCP Classis is scheduled soon for November 1.

Medical Leave

We have been reminded again that the gift of health and strength is necessary for continuation in the mission task here by the recent announcement in the PRCA regarding the health needs of Rev. and Mrs. Kleyn.

The Council of the Doon PRC, with the concurrence of the FMC, has approved and announced a 9-week medical leave of absence for Rev. and Mrs. D. Kleyn from their missionary task in the Philippines. It is expected that the leave of absence (October 26 to December 28) will provide sufficient time for their surgeries and recovery.

If all goes as well as the physicians expect, then we are looking forward to welcoming the Kleyns back home again in Antipolo on December 29, the Lord willing. Pray that the Lord will watch over them in their travels and through the medical procedures, will provide a good outcome, and will give them a speedy recovery in order to resume their role in the ongoing task at hand here.

Some Adjustments

In light of the leave of absence, some adjustments are being prepared in our pulpit supply schedule in the PRCP and in the catechism instruction in Provident PRC. The elders will be helping with leading worship services when pulpit supply is unavailable and with teaching catechism until Rev. Kleyn has returned.

With regard to seminary instruction, the impact of the medical leave on the instruction in the seminary program for the PRCP appears at this time to be manageable without requiring, for example, emergency help from one of our retired pastors or professors. Adjustments have been proposed and approved by Committee 1 (TSC) for the second half of the first semester and the upcoming semester. Thus, what cannot be completed in the courses that Rev. Kleyn is currently teaching this semester will be covered in the upcoming semester without difficulty in the scheduling. We are thankful to the Lord that, in His wise timing, the impact of the leave to our seminary task is minimal.

Our Task in Southern Negros Occidental

Another major element of our missionary task in the Philippines is our work with churches and contacts in the Visayan area that we, who have been very familiar with snow in North America, affectionately call SNO.

We started visiting again in SNO in May. At that time, we resumed our monthly Monday classes with the regular group of pastors and elders with whom we had been working before the disruptions of Covid regulations. Currently, we are presenting lectures in Homiletics (sermons) and in Christology.

Then, earlier in September, in addition to our monthly Monday classes, we resumed preaching in the area churches, at their request, on Sundays. On September 18, Rev. Kleyn preached in the Reformed Christian Church in Canturay while I preached in the Reformed Free Church in Inayauan. The churches at this point have one regular worship service with all of the necessary elements of worship according to the regulative principle. However, prior to their morning worship service, they have a tradition of a one-hour service of "Sunday School" in which the pastors teach catechism to the congregation. This type of service is common in many churches in the Philippines, and we have experienced this in our labours with other churches. In some, the "Sunday School" service eventually became a full worship service for Heidelberg Catechism preaching. Thus, to develop to that goal, the local pastors preach the Heidelberg Catechism in that one-hour service, which we also do when visiting.

We intend to continue laboring with them, the Lord willing, at their request as they continue their development as Reformed congregations in all necessary respects according to Scripture, our Reformed confessions, and Reformed church order. A commendable goal that the leaders desire is, not a loosely associated group of independent Reformed congregations, but a communion of churches of like precious faith. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless us in our role of service to the leaders and their gatherings in their development and that the Spirit of our Lord by this means may continue to guide them into His truth.

Bro. Dick Espiritu (1941-2022)

Some visitors may remember meeting our fellow saint, Bro. Dick Espiritu, one of the first officebearers of the Berean PRC when Rev. A. Spriensma was laboring here. He labored several terms as deacon after the Berean congregation was instituted in 2006. Bro. Dick was taken by the Lord to glory in death on Monday morning, September 12. His burial was on September 19, which would have been his 78th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Sis. Violy. Two of his sons, Bro. Herbert and Bro. Andrew, along with their wives and children are also members of our Berean PRC. The missionaries and our wives had the opportunity to visit with the family at the funeral wake and to bring them in their sorrow words of comfort and hope from Scripture.

We give thanks to the Lord that, in a predominantly Roman Catholic country where most believe the horrible, ungodly teaching of purgatory, we with the Espiritu family might stand in genuine faith before death and the grave in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ! What a comfort to know assuredly that at the end of our earthly sojourn we have for Christ's sake alone this triumphant expectation: Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:24)

In His Service,
Rev. Richard J. Smit

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this forty-sixth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, November 13.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. ...I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. ~ Psalm 77:1, 6-15

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Today Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) declined the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB).
  
  
• *UPDATE: Today Georgetown PRC voted to call Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC).
  
  
• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands) is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received Oct.23). 
  
  
• Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) is considering the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids (received Oct.30). He plans to answer by Nov.27.
  
  
• Rev. J. Laning (Hull PRC) is considering the call from Zion PRC  to serve as denominational home missionary. 
  
  
• The Consistory of Doon PRC has formed a new trio from which to call her next pastor: Revs. M. De Boer (Edgerton PRC), J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI), and D. Noorman (SW PRC). The congregational meeting is scheduled for November 28.
  
  
• The Council of Randolph (WI) PRC "presents the following trio for the congregation’s consideration: Rev. M. DeBoer, (Edgerton), Rev. J. Holstege, (Zion), Rev. J. Laning, (Hull). The congregational meeting to extend a call from this trio has been set for November 27, after the morning service."
  
  
• *UPDATE: The Consistory of Hosanna PRC (Edmonton) has a new trio: Revs. J. Holstege (Zion PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and C. Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will vote on Nov.20 in the evening. 
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Marcus (1st week) in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. J. Maatman in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Prof. B. Huizinga in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J.Engelsma (2nd Sunday) in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. W. Langerak in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. R. Barnhill (1st week) in Randolph PRC.  May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.

• Special Evangelism Activities
  • Byron Center PRC: "The Community Bible Study meets this Thursday (7:30 PM) at church. We plan to wrap up discussion of John 17:24-26. Please invite friends and join us."
  • Zion PRC: "Community Bible Study will meet Wednesday at 7 pm in the youth building. We will take up the study of John 8 at vs. 21. Consider coming with a neighbor, colleague, or acquaintance!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary has now completed ten weeks of the first semester of the new school year. In this Thanksgiving season, we thank and praise our God for His infinite goodness to us in Jesus Christ. "Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? Ps. 106:1,2
• Rev. M. DeVries spoke for the Wednesday chapel this past week.
• The second round of Practice Preaching will be held tomorrow, Nov.14. A. Haveman and A. Van Dyke will present their second sermons of the semester. Pray for them as they prepare for this and then deliver the sermons. And pray for the faculty as they guide the students in this all-important aspect of their training.
• Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) continues with his six-month internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani (July-Dec.). He is staying busy with all aspects of the work of the ministry.
• The Fall 2022 issue of the PRT Journal  has been sent to the printer and should be available at the beginning of December. The digital editions have been posted on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This new issue features articless by Prof. Griess (Calvin and the third mark of the true church), Kuiper (seminary history, chap.2), Prof. Gritters (introduction to an old article by Herman Hoeksema and a book review article), plus numerous book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!
  
  

Learn about what CERC is doing with the Book of Psalms through PSP below!

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and newly installed M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In his pastoral note this week, Pastor Wee introduced a new pratice in their worship called "PSP": "Never heard of ‘PSP’? Well, it stands for “Psalm Singing and Praying”! The Lord willing, we will be singing and praying through the Psalms consecutively in our worship service. The Psalms are God’s songbook for the church, and we sing them almost exclusively in our worship service. It will be profitable for us as a church to go through the Psalms systematically, one each Lord’s Day, learning them well. ...Pastor Tan and I will seek to incorporate that particular Psalm in our congregational prayers each week. This way, we will be praying through the Psalm together during the week, and coming together to the sanctuary and taking these familiar words (that we have prayed over in the week) upon our own lips."
  • Don't forget the latest issue of Salt Shakers is available - Issue 67, September 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine is edifying for ALL readers!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. From her Nov.6 bulletin we learn about an interesting Bible study topic they are on: "Tuesday Bible study at 11 AM will meet to continue our discussion on faith and reason, looking at how they are rightly and wrongly related."
  • The October 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published at the end of last month.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led her services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE. will join in our worship services today via Livestream at our official Facebook page account, D.V."
    

  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her services today.

  • PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 are continuing for this semester. "We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• This month Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh, PA PRC) continues to speak for the RWH program. He is delivering messages on various Bible passages. Today's message is titled "God's Promise Confirmed (2)" based on Acts 2:39.
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

New release by the RFPA! Here's more on this new title and how to obtain it.

"Rev. Jason Kortering (1936–2020) was a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches. From 1992–2006, he and his wife, Jean, were called to missionary labors in Singapore, India, and Myanmar. Say Among the Heathen the Lord Reigns is Jean’s account of those years. The recollections and stories in this book will direct your heart to the Son of God who gathers, defends, and preserves to himself an elect church out of all nations, kindreds, peoples, and tongues."

• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Regular hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-1.
  
  
  
• Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 Quoted in Covenant PRC's (Ballymena, N. Ireland) bulletin of November 6, from Prof. D. Engelsma in The Reformed Worldview:

"As a pilgrim, the Christian is never absorbed in earthly life. He never sets his heart on earthly relations, including marriage and family, though they are dear; on earthly pleasures, no matter how legitimate and sweet; on earthly treasures, regardless how vast and valuable; on earthly achievements, be they never so impressive. He has a wife as though he had none. He weeps over earthly calamities as though he did not weep. He rejoices over earthly pleasures and successes as though he did not rejoice. He buys and owns possessions and properties as though he did not possess them. He uses this physical world while sitting loose to it (I Cor. 7:29-31).

"Earthly life is not all there is. Earthly life is not the main thing. Earthly life is brief. Earthly life is not the goal. A successful earthly life is not the goal for the believer. Indeed, a successful earthly life is a temptation to lose sight of the goal. Therefore, God mercifully plagues our earthly life with sorrows, sicknesses, and struggles, so that we keep our eye of faith on the goal: the heavenly country, the “city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10), “an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (II Cor. 5:1).

"Earthly life is only the way to the goal.

"Pilgrimage is basic to the Christian worldview. When Jesus described the evil of the human race at His second coming, on account of which multitudes will perish, He said that the majority will simply be at home on the earth, wrapped up in earthly pursuits and pleasures: “For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (Matt. 24:38). Against this temptation—the giving up of pilgrimage—the disciples of Christ must “watch” (v. 42).

"According to the correct translation of Philippians 3:20, our citizenship is in heaven. The sense of this citizenship so grips us that we are always looking for the coming of the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ.

"For the worldview of Man, in contrast, earthly life is all there is. The worldview of Man is materialism. Death ends human existence (declare the advocates of the worldview of Man, although they know better, and tremble at the prospect of judgment to follow). Therefore, the worldview of Man is both meaningless and hopeless, no matter how its proponents—Richard Dawkins, and Bertrand Russell before him—try to put a good face on it: “One can lead a happy and fulfilled life without supernatural religion.”

"Upon the worldview of Man, and the vain life lived in its shadow, Ecclesiastes passed judgment long ago— judgment that expresses the conviction and feeling of every human heart: 'Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'"

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this forty-fourth Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, November 6.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is risen from the dead on the third day - as He promised - and because He is returning in glory for our everlasting worship - as He has also promised - today, on this first day of the week, we gather in worship as members of our living Savior's church. With gratitude and gladness we bring our praise to our triune God for fully accomplishing our salvation in His Son and by His Spirit. We cordially invite you to join us in worship on this day and on any Sunday.

In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel. In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion. ...Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. ...Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry? ...Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. ~ Psalm 76:1,2,4,7,11

If you are new to this website and are interested in the PRC, we invite you to join us at any of our services (morning and afternoon/evening). For congregations, locations and times, visit this page.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS

• Rev. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC) is considering the call from Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB - received Oct.23). He plans to answer by Nov.13.
  
  
• Rev. M. Kortus (Hope PRC-Redlands) is considering the call to Hudsonville PRC (received Oct.23). 
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Maatman (Southeast-GR PRC) declined the call from Doon PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday First PRC-Grand Rapids called Rev. C. Spronk (Faith) to serve as her next pastor. He plans to answer by Nov.27.
  
  
• Last Sunday Zion PRC extended a call to Rev. J. Laning (Hull) to labor as denominational home missionary. 
  
  
• From Doon PRC's bulletin today: "The new trio from which to call our next pastor is Rev. Matthew De Boer [Edgerton PRC], Rev. Jonathan Mahtani [Hope PRC-Grand Rapids, MI], and Rev. David Noorman [SW PRC]. The congregational meeting has been scheduled for November 28."
  
  
• Georgetown PRC's Council presented this trio to the congregation: Rev. A. Brummel (Calvary PRC-Hull, IA), Rev. M. Deboer (Edgerton PRC, MN), and Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC, MI).  The congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday morning November 13, after the morning service.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. M. DeBoer in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. N. Decker in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. D. Noorman in Georgetown PRC; Rev. J.Engelsma (1st Sunday)  in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. K. Koole in Hudsonville PRC; Elders lead in Randolph PRC.  May we count it a blessing of our church federation that we can help one another in these needs. Let us remember to pray for the men who supply these pulpits and for the vacant congregations.
  
  
• Special Congregational events
  • Kalamazoo PRC: "This morning, we welcome Rev. Daniel Kleyn, one of our missionaries in the Philippines, to our pulpit and fellowship. A presentation of the missionary work will be given shortly after the service."

• Past 2022 Reformation Day lectures available online:
  • Prof. Cory Griess' on the topic of "Sexual Abuse in Calvin’s Geneva" at Southwest PRC October 27.
  • Prof. R. Dykstra's on "Abraham Kuyper, A Flawed Reformer" at Randolph PRC on Oct.28.
  • Prof. B. Gritters' on "The Confusion about Forgiveness" at Grace PRC on Nov.3.

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The seminary has now completed nine and a half weeks of the first semester of the new school year. Things go well, for which we thank our God.
• Rev. W. Langerak (Trinity PRC) spoke for the Wednesday chapel this past week.
• The second round of Practice Preaching will be held on Monday, Nov.14. A. Haveman and A. Van Dyke will present their second sermons of the semester. Pray for them as they prepare for this and then deliver the sermons next week.
• Some of the professors gace speeches in the last few weeks. Links to those speeches are made available above under the Reformation banner. 
• Sem. M. Koerner (4th year) continues with his six-month internship in Hope PRC-Grand Rapids under Rev. J. Mahtani (July-Dec.). He is staying busy with all aspects of the work of the ministry.
• The Fall 2022 issue of the PRT Journal  has been sent to the printer and should be available in about four weeks. The digital editions have been posted on the seminary's website (use the link provided here). This new issue features articless by Prof. Griess (Calvin and the third mark of the true church), Kuiper (seminary history, chap.2), Prof. Gritters (introduction to an old article by Herman Hoeksema and a book review article), plus numerous book reviews. If you want to be added to our mailing list (either print or digital) or wish to pick up a copy, contact Sharon, the seminary secretary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
  
• The seminary is open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., including the library and bookstore. PRC members and friends are welcome to visit and make use of these resources.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website - and don't forget the blog!
  
  

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Georgetown PRC had an update on her India labors in her bulletin today: "Update on PRCV of Vellore: God has added new members to the Tamil church in the recent months. Bible studies in the book of Daniel continue weekly in both the Tamil and English churches. Monsoon season has come with cooler weather. Some of the children of the GHF are studying for examinations. The senior boys of the GHF are working on the new church building in making bricks and helping on other parts of construction. Pastor Raj continues in regular teaching sessions to area pastors desirous of joining a future Reformed Church Federation."
  
  
• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and newly installed M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In his pastoral note this week, Pastor Tan followed up on the visit of their missionary, Pastor E. Singh: "Thank you all who attended the special presentation on the mission work by Pastor Singh last week. The near-full attendance indicates a love for the spread of the gospel in that land, put in our hearts by our God. Pastor Singh and his wife have safely returned back to India. May God continue to use our CERC Singapore family for the gospel work in CERC Kolkata, India. Here is a short summary of the presentation to each of us to note in our personal prayer life: 1) Translation work into Bengali (Bible, Creeds, Reformed literature) 2) Prayer for the fellowship’s institution as a church 3) Prayer for the COF/Baptism of 4 brothers and sisters in Christ 4) Prayer for mission and outreach work in Mumbai, in the slums. That the work will not be hindered by false doctrine (attack of common grace), false brothers, and idolatry) 5) Prayer for God to protect the saints from the high cases of dengue. Psalm 96:3-5 “Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.”
  • The latest issue of Salt Shakers is available - Issue 67, September 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine is edifying for ALL readers!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • The October 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published this past week.  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
  • For recordings of this summer's British Reformed Conference held in July, visit this BRF webpage.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe is serving as her pastor (no update this week as of yet).
    

  • Provident PRC bulletin: "Elder Bien Montoya will lead for us in our worship services today and will use Video recordings of sermons of Prof. B. Huizinga and Rev. C. Spronk from PRCA for the preaching of God’s Word in our worship services today."
    

  • PRCP Classis: Classis of the congregations of PRCP met this past Monday, October 31, 2022, at Provident PRC, Marikina City.
  • PRCP Seminary: The classes for 2022-2023 are continuing for this semester. "We are grateful to the Lord for His sustaining grace upon the labors of our instructors, [Rev. Smit and Rev. Kleyn] and to Seminarian Ace Flores. We pray that God will bless their faithful labors and that they may be encouraged even more as we look to God for another fruitful year of dedication and devotion to this cause of God’s Kingdom. God be praised!"

Listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday - on a radio station near you, on Sermonaudio, or on your favorite podcast - wherever you are!

• This month Rev. W. Bruinsma (Pittsburgh, PA PRC) takes over the RWH program for the next few months. He will be delivering messages on various Bible passages. Today's message is titled "God's Promise Confirmed (1)" based on Acts 2:39.
  
• The Reformed Witness Hour publishes each month's messages in an attractive booklet. These printed sermons are a great blessing to many and are distributed all over the world, including to many prisoners in the U.S. If you or your Evangelism Committee would like to receive these, let the RWHC know and they will add you to the mailing list (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). 

Do you or a loved one struggle with depression and anxiety? This resource will be of help to you in understanding it and receiving help in the Lord.

• For sound, distinctively Reformed literature on a variety of subjects and for all ages - including church history and Bible study materials - visit the Reformed Free Publishing Association website or stop in at their Jenison (Michigan) location.

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI) has now opened its new store in downtown Hudsonville! The new location is at 3472 Harvey St. in Hudsonville. Regular hours are Tuesday - Friday from 10-5 and Saturday from 10-1.
  
  
  
• Are you interested in learning more about the doctrines and practices of the PRC? Or, are you in need of some pamphlets and/or articles published by the PRC for use in evangelism and/or witnessing? Or are you simply interested in growing in your faith and walk with the Lord? Visit the Resources pages of this website and the PRCA Evangelism page for a complete list of materials available in digital format or by order from the publishing church.
  
  
• Do you need some catechism materials for use in your church or family? The PRC publishes catechism materials on Bible history and Reformed doctrine, for children of all ages. Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• The PR Sunday School Association also publishes complete OT and NT Bible Story Lessons for young children and older children. Visit this page to learn more.

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

 From Rev. W. Bruinsma's October 30, 2022 radio message "I Am God":

"Nor may this side of God’s power be ignored by us as we behold our God.  We read in verse 9 of Psalm 46 that God makes wars to cease, He breaks the bow, cuts the spear, and burns the chariot.  The bow, spear, and chariot were all weapons of war used in the days of Israel.  All these God breaks and burns so that even the end of war is brought about by God!  God sends war, but God also sends peace.  Nothing stands outside the bounds of His sovereign rule!  Come now and behold these works of God!  We do not look at them through the eyes of unbelief and rebel as so many do.  Unbelief manifests itself in so many different ways when it beholds God’s works.

"There are those who refuse to come and behold.  They dwell in darkness and refuse even to consider that all things take place by God.  This world develops by chance and everything in it by natural laws, they say—but there is no God in it all.  Others ignore the Bible and make up their own idol god who does not sovereignly control all things.  Certainly, the desolations we see in the earth do not fall under God’s control, they say.  The bad things of this world would not be under God’s control because God is a God of love and He would not send these things! 

"Then, who, pray tell, is in control of them and who sends them?  Satan?  Oh yes, they will answer, that wicked Satan!  Only he would do such horrible things!  But under whose control is Satan?  God does not have control of Satan?  Satan acts outside of God’s control?  Then Satan must also be God!  He must also have power equal to that of God and therefore must be God too—and not a creature of God’s hand.  But, Satan is a creature—an angel whom God created to do His will but who has fallen from his high estate and become evil.  Yet a creature who is subservient to his Creator.  We might ask, does Satan perform his dastardly deeds only by God’s permission, though God does not approve of them?  We could say that from a certain point of view.  At the same time it is equally true that if God is in control of Satan, He could stop Satan.  The fact the Psalmist explains is that God sends such desolations in the earth.  And He does it because He alone is God.

"We are called, fellow believers, to come before Jehovah God and behold His works through the eyes of faith.  Come and believe!  Believe that these things that take place in this world do not take place by chance!  God is in control.  He rules over all creatures, and nothing therefore escapes His will!  Stand before God and believe.  Then worship this God with reverence and godly fear!  If He is our refuge, then what reason have we to fear what happens in this world?  This God is for us and not against us.  If He is for us, nothing in this whole world can be against us!  Mingled with our godly fear therefore is the greatest of all joys!  We believe in this God because He is the God of our salvation!  He has delivered His people from all punishment in the blood of Jesus Christ.  He has made them into His very own children.  Believers are members of His family.  We have no need to fear for our safety or our welfare.  God who controls all things, even the desolations of this earth, will care for us.  Have you come into the presence of God?  Are you looking at Him?"