Today, April 9, is the fifteenth Lord's Day of this year of our Lord 2023. Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news. It is our hope that these reports not only inform you but also give you opportunity to pray for the needs of these churches and mission fields throughout the world.

Today is Resurrection Sunday (Easter), the day we as Christians celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead and victory over sin, death, the grave, and hell and His triumph unto everlasting life - for Himself and for us and all who believe on Him. We will worship our risen Savior today as we do every Sunday by gathering to thank and praise our God in song, prayer, and offerings and to hear the gospel of our salvation. We call you to join us and give glory to the Lamb who is worthy to be exalted in our hearts, on our lips, and with our lives.  For the times of the Easter services, check the website of the church near you.

If you are new to this website and the PRCA, we invite you to join us in worship today or on any of the Sunday's of this year at one of our local congregations near you, or listen online.

Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. ~ John 11:23-27

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS 

• Today Rev. M. DeBoer declined the call from Lynden (WA) PRC.
  
  
• Last Sunday Rev. J. Smidstra declined the call from Loveland PRC.
  
  
• On March 26 Rev. J. Holstege (Zion PRC, Jenison MI) accepted the call to First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI. He plans to preach his farewell sermon at Zion on April 23 and will be installed on May 7 in First PRC, D.V.
  
  
• Rev. N. Decker is considering calls to Hosanna PRC (Edmonton, AB) and to Randolph PRC (WI), both received on March 26. 
   
• Georgetown PRC's Council has announced a new trio consisting of Revs. M. DeBoer (Edgerton PRC), A. Spriensma (Cornerstone PRC) , and D. Noorman (SW PRC).  A congregational meeting is scheduled for tomorrow night, April 10, 2023. *Rev. M. DeBoer has received this call.
  
  
• Loveland PRC's Consistory announces a new trio of Rev. Matt Kortus (Hope PRC - Redlands, CA), Rev. Jacob Maatman (Southeast PRC), and Rev. Clayton Spronk (Faith PRC). The congregation will call on April 16. 
  
  
• *Sunday night Hudsonville PRC's Council formed a new trio: Revs. A Brummel (Calvary PRC), W. Langerak (Trinity PRC), and J. Mahtani (Hope PRC-MI). The congregational meeting is set for April 23 after the evening service.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. R. Hanko in Doon (IA) PRC; Prof. D. Kuiper and Rev. E. Guichelaar in First PRC-Grand Rapids; Prof. C. Griess and Rev. J. Holstege in Georgetown PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in Hosanna PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. R. Cammenga and Rev. J. Mahtani in Hudsonville PRC; Rev. C. Haak (1st week) in Loveland PRC; Elders lead in Lynden PRC; Rev. M. DeVries 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. And may we continue to pray for men to hear the call to serve as pastors and missionaries!
  
  
• Congregational Evangelism/Mission News
  • Zion PRC (Jenison, MI) - "Community Bible Study will meet on Wednesday at 7 pm to begin studying John 12. Though there are only two more meetings this season, you are still encouraged to come with a neighbor or acquaintance!"

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

DMC News: Evangelism and Missions Conference: To be held at Trinity PRC the evenings of May 4 and 5, 2023.  The theme is "Not Ashamed of the Gospel: Rekindling Zeal for Evangelism and Missions", with speeches by Rev. J. Mahtani and Rev. D. Holstege, as well as discussion group sessions on topics related to missions and personal evangelism. We hope to see you there!

PRC 100th Anniversary: "With gratitude to our faithful God, the PRCA look forward to our 100th anniversary. The celebration is planned for June 23-27, 2025, at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI."

PRC Minister/Teacher Scholarship Fund: Information for the 2023 PR Scholarship Fund essay competition is now available. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to receive the essay topics and submission requirements. Completed essays must be submitted by May 12th. 

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The PRT Seminary enjoyed its Spring break this past week. This week classes will resume with a normal schedule, including Practice Preaching on Monday morning (see note below). Continue to pray  for faculty, students, and staff as we enter the final month of the semester. The 2nd semester schedule and calendar are posted on the seminary's website. 
• The second round of practice preaching is set for the next two Mondays (April 10 and 17). Tomorrow Sems. A. Haveman and A. Van Dyke will deliver their new sermons. 
• The Spring 2023 issue of the PR Theological Journal was completed and sent to the printers this past week. It should be ready for posting and printing yet this month. The Spring issue features articles on a distinctive feature of PRC teaching on the covenant of grace, on the image of God in man from a conference in Mexico, on R.L. Dabney's "proposals of mercy," and the first part of a history of Classis West of the PRC - and, of course, several significant 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.).
• Back in March, Prof. David Engelsma (emeritus PRTS professor) was asked to carry on a discussion of his book Christianizing the World: Reformed Calling or Ecclesiastical Suicide? on the podcast "Conversations That Matter." For more on this, visit this blog post.
• 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:

• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastors J. Tan and M. Wee are faithfully serving the CERC. In her bulletin today, we find this pastoral note from pastor Tan concerning the resurrection of Jesus: "Christ is risen! Rabboni is alive! My Lord and my God is alive! As we open God’s word today, hear the preaching of the Word, sing the Word, may all our hearts burn like the two travellers to Emmaus. Do not be doubting now like Thomas. With the finger of faith, with the hand of faith, reach hither and thrust it into the side of our Lord Jesus. Feel the scars. He is the Lamb that was slain but is now forever alive. Jesus was crucified dead and buried but He rose from the dead. He conquered death and is forever alive! He is The Resurrection. He is our Resurrection. Beloved people of God, “be not faithless, but believing” John 20:27"
    
  • The last issue of Salt Shakers was made available earlier this year - Issue 68, December 2022. Especially for young people, the magazine contains a variety of articles and is edifying for ALL readers!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A. Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena.
  • The last newsletter of the CPRC was published last month - March 2023 which you will find on this page (rh column at the top). Read about the exciting work going on in the CPRC!
  • The March 2023 issue of "Covenant Reformed News" was published late last month!  Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart (was Hagar saved?) and R. Hanko (Christ's reign as King over against dispensational teaching).
  • The CPRC YouTube channel may be found here.
    
    
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work in various places:
  • A March 2023 Newsletter was recently published. Be sure to visit the linked page to learn about the latest news from the Philippines!
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe (her pastor) led her services today.
  • "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, NE., will join us in our worship services today via live streaming on our official Facebook page, the Lord willing."
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit led her worship services today. "Rev. D. Kleyn and Sis. Sharon are scheduled to visit the Bearers of Light Community Church in Guiguinto, Bulacan today with Deacon Ruel de la Fuente with his wife Sis. Jen, the Lord willing, in order to preach and teach there."

Reformed Resources for Education, Edification, and Evangelism

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 the RWH continues to re-broadcast a series by Prof. C. Griess on the doctrines of grace (five points of Calvinism). Today's message is titled "Irresistible Grace (2)" based on John 6:44. For the April RHW Newsletter, visit this page.
  
• 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.). 

• Would you like to learn 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.

• 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. The Reformed Book Outlet has a new sale going on! We have 25% off all books in our children’s book section until the end of April! Now would be a great time to stock up on some summer reading material for the kids and to come check out the new arrivals to the children’s section! They are open Tuesday-Friday, 10-5, and Saturday 10-1.
  
  
• 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.
  
  

This Week's Thought for Contemplation

"Seeing that in the cross, death, and burial of Christ, nothing but weakness appears, faith must go beyond all these, in order that it may be provided with full strength. Hence, although in his death we have an effectual completion of salvation because by it we are reconciled to God, satisfaction is given to his justice, the curse is removed, and the penalty paid; still it is not by his death, but by his resurrection, that we are said to be begotten again to a living hope; because, as he, by rising again, became victorious over death, so the victory of our faith consists only in his resurrection…Christ, by rising again, completed the whole work of our salvation: for though redemption and satisfaction were effected by his death, through which we are reconciled to God; yet the victory over sin, death, and Satan was attained by his resurrection; and hence also came righteousness, newness of life, and the hope of a blessed immortality. And thus is resurrection alone often set before us as the assurance of our salvation, not to draw away our attention from his death, but because it bears witness to the efficacy and fruit of his death: in short, his resurrection includes his death.” ~ John Calvin (found in Trinity PRC's bulletin today)

PRCA FOREIGN MISSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES

MARCH 2023 NEWSLETTER
Missionaries: 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.)

Greetings

Dear members of the Protestant Reformed Churches, warm greetings from the Philippines. We are enjoying some milder weather here right now. But although December through February are our coolest months, our overnight lows are rarely below 75 degrees F. These lower temps feel cold to most people here, but “cold” isn’t really part of our vocabulary when it comes to the weather. Just lately our daytime temps have started climbing into the high 80s and low 90s. The “hot season” will soon be here. Usually, March through May are the hottest months, and then the rainy season begins (June through October).

We and the Smits are all doing well here. Sharon and I are both well again after our recent surgeries. We thank the Lord for His care and goodness through it all and for enabling us to return to our life and work in the Philippines. It is good to be with our Filipino brethren again as well as with the Smit family. We thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, too.

In connection with news on our families, the Smits recently received approval from Doon and the FMC to take a furlough this year. They hope to take a longer one this time, the Lord willing, from June through December. This will not only serve as a good time of refreshment, but it will also enable them to spend time with their immediate family (especially their children), as well as to help one of their sons who is graduating from high school with his move to the USA.

Delegations

The most significant, recent activity for all of us was the visit in January of two delegations from the PRCA. The first delegation, representing Doon PRC and the Foreign Mission Committee, and which came as part of their supervision of the work of the missionaries, consisted of Caleb Woiwood and Doug (& Lisa) Brands. The second delegation, representing the Contact Committee, was made up of Sid Miedema and Rev. Martyn (& Larisa) McGeown. This CC delegation came with the purpose of visiting, encouraging, and becoming better acquainted with the PRCP, our sister church here in the Philippines. Apart from some missed flights and lost luggage, their travels went well. They stayed with the missionary families, and thus we had plenty enjoyable fellowship with them all.

The delegation from Doon and the FMC was able to accompany us over a weekend to Southern Negros Occidental (SNO) to meet the pastors and the churches there, something they were able to do at church on Sunday as well as at the pastors’ classes on Monday. All the delegates worshiped at least once in each of the two PRCP churches here in Manila (Berean PRC and Provident PRC). Also, Rev. McGeown preached on both Sundays he was here, one Sunday in each of the two churches.

The two delegations overlapped for about a week, which enabled them to hold combined meetings with men from the PRCP, as well as with us missionaries. Much discussion took place concerning both our PRCA’s current work here, as well as the future of our denomination’s labors within and for the PRCP. This included talking of such things as the effects of the controversy and schism upon our denominations, the future of seminary instruction, the strengthening of sister church relations between our denominations, a possible transition of the work here from being Foreign Mission work to being exclusively the work of our Contact Committee, and the PRCP’s desire to have a minister on loan one day, the Lord willing.

The visits by the delegations were timely and a good encouragement to our missionary families as well as to the saints and churches here. We thank the delegates for visiting, and our churches for sending them. A special thanks also to the wives who came along, something that our wives truly appreciate, as do also the ladies in the churches here.

Our Work in the PRCP

Both Rev. Smit and I continue to help out as needed in the Protestant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (PRCP). Most of the work we do now is in Provident PRC, which congregation is vacant. We help with pulpit supply, which includes a monthly visit I make to Provident’s outreach work in Guiguinto. Rev. Smit leads a weekly Bible study, and I teach Provident’s catechism classes. Rev. Smit does also preach one Sunday each month in the Berean PRC, which frees up Rev. Ibe to visit the Berean’s outreach work in Gabaldon. Another area of our work in the PRCP is assisting the Classis with church visitation, along with taking a turn (with Rev. Vernon Ibe) in chairing the classis meetings.

Up to this point in time, what has especially kept us busy as missionaries is the work of seminary training. As you know, a few years ago we had three seminary students here, but two of them withdrew from the seminary when they left the PRCP during the schism and split in May of 2021. As a result, just one seminary student remained. However, the remaining seminary student was advised by Committee #1 (the Theological School Committee), at the end of December, not to proceed with his seminary training for academic reasons. This decision was approved by the recent PRCP Classis (Feb. 25). The result is that we missionaries are now no longer involved in providing seminary instruction in the Philippines.

All of this was disappointing for everyone here, for the need of ministers of the gospel is urgent. Currently the PRCP has only one pastor (Rev. Ibe). More laborers are needed for the Lord’s harvest, as we know is also the case in the PRCA. Much prayer is needed, along with words of encouragement to young men who may be suitable for the gospel ministry.

What also contributes to the uncertainty of the seminary here (i.e., in addition to not having any students) is that the PRCP has indicated that they would like to use the Theological School of the PRCA for the training of their future students, the Lord willing.

These recent changes have significantly reduced the amount of work we are doing within the PRCP. The seminary took up the lion’s share of our time, with each of us preparing and teaching new courses each semester. However, we know and believe these changes are according to the Lord’s perfect will. We are confident therefore that all these things do and will continue to work for good for both us and the churches here.

Our Work in SNO

The changes regarding our seminary work have made us wonder if we can now concentrate our work in the churches in SNO (Southern Negros Occidental). But first a brief summary and update regarding this work.

To date our work in SNO has usually consisted of a monthly visit during the week to provide instruction to a group of pastors who, along with their congregations, are interested in learning more of the Reformed faith and becoming better established as churches. Due to Covid restrictions, however, we were unable to visit SNO for over two years (from February 2020 until May 2022). In May of 2022 we again resumed our visits. And since September, we have included a Sunday in our visits so that we can also preach and teach, at their request, in their churches. The instruction for the pastors is then given on the Mondays we are there, usually all morning and into the early afternoon. Rev. Smit is currently lecturing in Dogmatics (Christology), and I in Homiletics (sermon making).

There are five pastors and five churches involved in this work, though not all the churches are properly constituted as Reformed churches. The churches range from having about 75 members down to approximately 10 to 15 members. It continues to be the desire of these pastors and their congregations to become part of the PRCP one day, if possible and the Lord willing. Our work is being done therefore with that goal in mind. For that reason, we have also provided instruction in the past in the Church Order. We hope to return to the Church Order again with a view to helping the churches which are not yet properly instituted to become so, guiding them in the formation of a classis (presently they are independent congregations), and assisting them in their desire to join the PRCP.

There are various things that need to be sorted out and decided regarding this work, including the question of when the PRCP might become involved in SNO. We pray the Lord will make His will and way clear. We wait on Him therefore to see what He has in store for us with regard also to these labors in the Philippines.

That brings the news to an end. Please remember the saints here in your prayers. We thank the Lord for your faithful support of and interest in the work and in the churches and saints here. Be assured of our prayers for you all and for our Protestant Reformed Churches.

In the love of Christ, Rev. Daniel Kleyn