News from the PRC and Sister-Churches for the Week of November 11, 2018

On this forty-fifth Lord's Day of 2018, November 11, we provide the following news and information concerning PRC congregations, the Seminary, mission fields, and sister churches.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS:

• On October 7 Rev. W. Langerak (SE-GR PRC) received the call through Grandville PRC to serve as minister on loan to Covenant Evangelical Church in Singapore. Today it was announced that he had declined this call.
  
  
• Rev. Joshua Engelsma (Doon, IA) is considering the call from Immanuel PRC (Lacombe, AB) (received on October 28). He plans to answer on November 18.
  
  
• Rev. Brian Huizinga (Hope, Redlands, CA) is considering the call from the congregation of Trinity PRC (Hudsonville, MI - received on October 28).
  
  
• Rev. Ron Hanko (emeritus) is ministering the Word in Immanuel PRC during the month of November.
  
  
• From First PRC-GR comes this special invitation for TONIGHT: Mexico Presentation is Sunday, November 11, at 7:45 pm at First PRC.  Prof. Cammenga, Rev. Griess and Mr. Doner Bartolon will present information regarding their trip this past summer to the Mexico City area, where they were able to preach and give lectures to saints from two Presbyterian denominations, as well as to professors and students at the John Calvin University. Come and learn about the interest that was expressed by our fellow saints in this country, as well as the possibility of more work that could be done there.
  
  
• Southeast PRC (Grand Rapids, MI) is currently worshiping Adams Christian School in Wyoming, MI, while she looks for a new location for the congregation.

 DENOMINATIONAL NEWS:

 
*West MI, including the seminary, received a surprise, early first snow this Friday and Saturday.

PRC Seminary News:

• Seminary is now in its twelfth week of classses in this first semester. The second practice preaching session is scheduled for Monday, Nov.16. Continue to pray for the professors, students, and staff as they busy themselves in the work of training men for the gospel ministry.
  
  
• The internships of Seminarians Matt Kortus and Jacob Maatman began July 1. Sem. Kortus is interning at Trinity PRC under Rev. N. Decker and the Council there. Sem. Maatman is interning at Hudsonville PRC under Rev. G. Eriks and his Council. The internship program runs from July 1 to December 31.
  
  
• The PRC Synod 2018 took a decision urging “the churches and the pastors in particular in their public prayers to pray the Lord of the harvest for able, faithful, and devoted pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11) for us and our children, as well as for the gathering of the elect out of the nations (Matthew 28:19).” A number of ministers are nearing the age of emeritation, and the number of students in the seminary at this time will not be sufficient to fill the upcoming needs of our churches either in our own congregations or in the work of missions. Please remember this urgent need in your prayers and encourage young men whom you observe to have the gifts to consider the ministry.
  
  
• The Seminary faculty along with Trinity PRC Evangelism Committee are busy implementing plans for a Spring 2019 conference to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the great Synod of Dordt, 1618/19 - 2018/19. The following updates are being given:
  
  Dordt 400: Did you know November 13 1618, 400 years ago, the Synod of Dordt began and didn’t conclude until nearly 6 months and 154 meetings later?! Are you familiar with the preceding history that led to this lengthy meeting? Do you know the week by week events that happened during the Great Synod? Follow that history and join the blog at Dordt400.org to view the weekly events  Synod of Dordt. Stay up to speed in light of Seminary's conference April 25-27 2019.

  Dordt 400 Writing contest:  Don’t forget that the conference also includes a writing contest with great prizes!  Sign up and submit your essay by January 15 at the conference website Dordt400.org

PRC Contact Committee News: Rev. W. Bruinsma and Elder Dave Kregel will attend the 44th annual meeting of NAPARC (North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council) this week Tuesday to Thursday, Nov.13-15 at the Korean American Presbyterian Church in the Philadelphia area.

*Missionary-pastor E. Singh giving presentation on his work in Kolkata on behalf of Covenant ERC in Singapore.

SISTER-CHURCH NEWS:

• Concerning our sister church in Singapore, Covenant ERC, we may note the following items (From her bulletin today):
  • "We are also thankful to God for the word of God brought by Emeritus Rev. den Hartog for the RDC [Reformation Day Conference]. It is our earnest prayers that God continues to fire in our hearts, the desire to know the great truths of the 16th Century Protestant Reformation; to defend, maintain and live out these vibrant truths in our lives.
    
    
  • This Sunday, we await the outcome of the Lord’s will in calling Rev. William Langerak to be the Minister-on-Loan to CERC. Do not be anxious our fellow brethren. God will certainly supply our needs in the way that is
    most honouring and glorifying to His Name; and for the good of His people in CERC. Continue to persevere and trust in His provision and timing. [*Note: Today it was announced that he had declined this call.]
    
    
  • *This week we saw the departure of Rev. Immanuel Singh back home. We are deeply thankful to God for his sharing during the Reformation Day Conference (RDC) on his mission work in Kolkata, India. We thank God for giving our missionary pastor, the faithfulness and unrelenting zeal for His work. It was good to learn how God, in His mercies and grace, has protected our Pastor and his family; and has turned the fearful persecution for the good of the Church and His saints. May God be praised! May God be pleased to strengthen the faith of our brethren in Kolkata."
    
    
  • Her latest newsletter (OCTOBER 2018) - Reformed News Asia - was recently posted and may be found on this page.
    
    
  • The latest young peoples' magazine, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (September 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
    

• The PRC now has an official sister-church relationship with the PRC in the Philippines, confirmed at this year's synod! We rejoice in this evidence of the Lord's blessing on the work in the Philippines and of the unity of Christ's church, which He gathers from all nations, tribes, and tongues. May the Lord grant us a mutually edifying and God-honoring relationship.
  
  
• Concerning our sister church in Ballymena, N. Ireland, Covenant PRC, we may note the following:
  
  • Covenant PRC's latest newsletter was received and posted recently (August 2018).
    
    
  • And don't forget her other publication - Covenant Reformed News! That latest issue received last week (October 2018) may 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 too.

Would you like to know more about the worship practices of the PRC? Check out the resources on worship in the section noted below*.

SPECIAL NOTICES:

• *If you are in need of some pamphlets 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. Looking for items on worship in the PRC? Visit this page for more information.
  
  
• You can now listen to the Heidelberg Catechism and the Belgic Confession on audio! Visiit the links provided to hear the Catechism and the Confession read. It's another excellent way to learn the Reformed faith and memorize these Reformed creeds.

• Looking for Reformed literature and a solid Reformed and biblical magazine to read? 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.
  

• Have you visited the Reformed Book Outlet in downtown Hudsonville, MI recently? If you or a friend are interested in spiritually edifying music, as well as in Bibles (and Bible study materials!)  and other Reformed literature, do so, or visit their website.
  

• Don't forget to listen to the Reformed Witness Hour each Sunday (on radio or on the Internet)! Today Rev. W. Bruinsma (pastor of Pittsburgh PRC) speaks on "Israel Transgresses God's Covenant" based on Hosea 6:7.
  
  
• The RWH has a new, updated website! Please visit reformedwitnesshour.org to watch our introduction video, view pictures and audio from our history, and read and listen to almost 20 years of past radio broadcasts! If you haven’t visited the RWH website recently, now is an excellent time to familiarize yourself with this important radio-internet ministry of the PRC.
  
  
• A new Spanish edition of the RWH is being 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 YP and YA:

• The annual young people’s Thanksgiving Mass Meeting will be held at First PRC on November 11 (TODAY!), from 2 to 3 PM, with a speech given by Rev. C. Griess.  Young people are encouraged to attend for a good time of fellowship! Refreshments will follow the meeting.
  
  
• Advance notice! The Loveland Young Adults Retreat is scheduled to occur March 18-21 at the YMCA. The speakers will be Rev. S. Key and Rev. R. VanOverloop. The theme is Ambassadors for Christ, spoken from the text II Corinthians 5:20. More details to follow.
  
  
• Are YOU a subscriber to the PR Young People's magazine, the Beacon Lights? Visit the website and discover why you ought to be.
  
  
• The latest young peoples' magazine of Covenant ERC in Singapore, Salt Shakers, was received and posted recently (September 2018 - cf. image above). Check that out on this page.
  

The PR Fellowship in Leyte, Albuera, where Rev. Holstege and Rev. V. Ibe are visiting and holding services this weekend and Lord's Day. (*cf. note below)

MISSION NEWS:

• Remember in prayer our home missionary, Rev. A. Spriensma, who continues to labor in the West Michigan area and beyond. That includes the special community Bible study in Dorr, MI, as we learn about in Byron Center PRC's bulletin today: "The Dorr Bible Study meets this Thursday, the 15th, at 7:30 PM. We anticipate discussing John 3:16 and the verses following."
  
  
• From Georgetown PRC comes this note concerning her work in India:

  "The Council of Georgetown PRC will be sending a delegation (Pastor and Mary Haak and Joel and Ellen Bruinooge) this week Wednesday  to the PRC of Vellore India for a three week visit (Nov. 7-27). Pastor Haak will lead seminars for area  pastors and students of the Sola Gratia  Academy in the doctrine of Eschatology, conduct classes in the Tamil and English congregations on the Covenant Family, preach on the Lord’s Day, meet with the PRCV Council, and make visits to the members of the congregation and the children of the GFH. Pray for safety of travel and blessing upon the Word of Truth to the hearts of many."
  
  

• Limerick Reformed Fellowship News: The August 2018 newsletter of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship mission station is now posted on this page.
  
• To read Rev. Titus' most recent report on the work going on in Myanmar (May 2018), visit this page.
  
  
• The latest Philippines mission newsletter was received and recently posted (July 2018) and may be found on this PRC webpage.

• Don't forget to follow the Kleyn's blog on life and activities in the Philippines. And that also includes the Holstege's! And don't miss out on the Smits once again too!
  
  
• From this Sunday's bulletins of the Provident Christian Church in Marikina and the Maranatha PRC in Valenzuela, the Philippines we find the following notes concerning their pastors as well as concerning our missionaries and their labors today and in this coming week:
  
  
  • Provident CC:
    

    • Rev. Smit will preach both times today at PCC. Rev. Holstege went with Rev. Ibe to preach for the Protestant Reformed Fellowship in Albuera, Leyte. They will return to Metro Manila, Lord willing, tomorrow night.

    • Next week, Lord willing, Rev. Smit will preach for PCC again. Rev. Holstege was invited and given approval to give a message on the doctrine of unconditional election for the Welfareville Church of Christ in Mandaluyong City.

    • The Wednesday night class will meet this week at 7:30 pm. We will study “the interpretation of prophecy” in Scripture.

  • Maranatha PRC:
    • Today, our Missionary, Rev. D. Kleyn will lead us in both services and after the second service he will teach the Belgic Confession Article 17.
      
      

    • Rev. L. Trinidad will speak at the Berean PRC, Antipolo City in both services while Revs. V. Ibe and D. Holstege are now at PRFA in Albuera, Leyte. Let us pray for them as they labor in the vineyard of the Lord.

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.