March 18, 2022

Dear saints in the Protestant Reformed Churches,

Church Visitation

Due to Covid-19 and its regulations, the CPRC did not have church visitation by a delegation from the PRC for the last two years.  Thus it was especially good to welcome back Prof. Barry Gritters and Elder Sid Miedema (5-14 January).  Like all arriving in the UK in January, the two men had to quarantine on arrival until they got back a negative Covid test on day two.  We had planned to have our congregational dinner at a local restaurant while our American visitors were here but, sadly, we had to cancel it because of the hassle with Covid rules for large group dining.

Prof. Gritters brought the Word of God at both the Sunday services on 9 January, led a Bible study on Exodus 19 (cf. Heb. 12:18-29) on the Tuesday morning and gave a lecture on “Being the Hand of God: Godly Parenting in an Ungodly World” on the Wednesday night.  His excellent instruction was much appreciated by the congregation.

Advertising for the speech on child-rearing included an article written by Julian Kennedy which was published in the Ballymena Guardian.  We were very pleased with the attendance, and the parents in the church found the lecture especially helpful (www.cprc.co.uk/sermons/being-the-hand-of-god-godly-parenting-in-an-ungodly-world).

Prof. Gritters and Sid Miedema visited a number of families in the congregation.  Mary and I took them for some lovely coastal walks in the north of County Antrim and forest walks in the south of County Down, where there was snow on the mountains.

Church Activities

Alfonso and Salome Mansona and their two adult sons, Chester and Dale, were gladly received as confessing members on 21 November. Jeremy Watterson, the fifth covenant child of Sam and Anga, was baptized on 23 January.

Charlotte Higgs arrived in Northern Ireland from Brisbane, Queensland in the middle of February and is staying in our province for a few months.  She is a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Australia, and a daughter of Pastor David and Sue Higgs.  Charlotte has settled into the life of our congregation very well.

We were finally able to have our church dinner at the Ross Park Hotel on Friday, 11 March.  William Graham, our organizer and quizmaster, booked the venue soon after all the Covid regulations for such events were removed.  This left us short of time to contact friends outside our own congregation and get together all the orders for the three courses.  Thus we decided simply to invite members and attendees with their spouses, etc.  It was a very enjoyable evening of fellowship.

Michelle Lou-Hing, a niece of Marie Kennedy, and her son, Liam, were able to make it to Northern Ireland for the congregational dinner, since Michelle and her husband are buying a house in Broughshane.  It is great to have them back in our midst again.

Besides the Lord’s Day preaching of the Word, the four Monday evening catechism classes, and the Tuesday morning Bible study on “Saving Faith:  A Biblical and Theological Analysis,” we have a Wednesday night doctrine class on the Belgic Confession.  We are currently on Article 37, which deals with the end times.  We have covered Scripture’s own eschatological time periods:  the two ages (“this age” and “the age to come”), “the last days,” the 1,000 years (Rev. 20), and the 1,260 days, 42 months or 3½ times (Rev. 11-13).

In our Wednesday classes, we recently concluded a series of 9 studies on “The Nearness of Christ’s Coming,” explaining the 7 major ways in which the Bible teaches that our Lord comes (3 in the past, 3 ongoing, and 1 climactic), the things which must happen before His glorious bodily return, and Scripture’s full testimony to both its “soonness” and its “delay.” All these doctrinal audios are not only available in CD box sets (www.cprc.co.uk/product-category/cdsdvds/belgic-confession) but can be listened to free on-line (www.cprc.co.uk/belgic-confession-class).

Currently, there are 3 families and 3 individuals in 3 membership classes.  During the week, I meet with Billy and Anne, Grace and Kerryann Gould in Antrim; Joe and Lisa McCaughern in Portglenone; and Ivan Ortu and Colm Ring at the manse in Kells.  We go through (the positive articles of) the Canons of Dordt, and then various distinctive Reformed doctrines and practices, so that new members join the church with a solid grasp of the truth, a good conscience, and joy.

On-Line Witness

Our main website (www.cprc.co.uk) is doing very well.  Around 17 November, 2021, its number of daily page hits suddenly tripled.  Things continued around this level for a few weeks before growing by 50%.  Thus we are now receiving about 4.5 times as many page hits on our main website as we were at the time of my last letter (5 November, 2021).

We recently created an “Election and Reprobation Resources” webpage, containing links to audios and/or videos of doctrine classes, sermon series and lectures, as well as articles, pamphlets, books, etc. (www.cprc.co.uk/ election-and-reprobation-resources).  This is our 35^th handy resource page (www.cprc.co.uk/topical-resources).

Since my last letter about 4 ½ months ago, we have added 112 translations to our website.  Thus, we have been receiving about 6 translations per week—a good rate! Many of these are short pieces, such as Covenant Reformed News articles (www.cprc.co.uk/covenant-reformed-news) or chapters from Doctrine According to Godliness by Rev. Ron Hanko.  We now have some 3,368 articles and creeds in more than 200 foreign tongues (from Afrikaans to Zulu) on our website (www.cprc.co.uk/languages). 

Thanks to Nic, a Reformed elder in S. Africa, Afrikaans has grown most, increasing by 35 to 175 translations.  Polish has seen 33 additions through the work of Marcin in Norway, Sebastian in Poland, and Robert in the Republic of Ireland.  For our Polish translations, now totalling 88, Mary has created a specific Polish webpage (www.cprc.co.uk/languages/polish), to add to the other nine individual language webpages (Afrikaans, Burmese, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish).

We also received a good number of translations in Hungarian (13 by Balint) and Russian (12 by Viktor).  The others are 6 Spanish (by Jorge in Peru), 5 Portuguese (including 2 pamphlets on drama by Revs. Dale Kuiper and Richard Smit), 4 Swahili (the last 3 of which were by Lilian, a new translator from Nairobi, Kenya), 3 Dutch (by Gerben in the Netherlands), and 1 Latin (the Belgic Confession, so that we now have all 4 of our ecumenical creeds and all 3 of our Reformed creeds in this language).

In the last month or so, Sam Watterson has been placing paid ads on Facebook on behalf of the CPRC, targeting people within 30 miles of Ballymena.  So far, he has advertised the video debate on Calvinism (www. Youtube.com/watch?v=G5B_UknPtFM)) and an article on the real healing miracles in the Bible (www.cprc.co.uk/articles/healings).  We have been receiving positive feedback and intend continuing this means of advertising.

British Reformed Fellowship (BRF)

The first British Reformed Journal with Sam Watterson as editor was sent to subscribers and BRF members in January.  These are the titles of its five articles:  “New Editor!” “Editorial:  It’s Too Complicated,” “The Destructive Teaching of Hypo-Calvinism in Common Grace Scripturally Exposed,” “Two Men from Trier:  Karl Marx (and Communism) and Caspar Olevianus (and the Heidelberg Catechism)” and “Doctrinal Doublespeak.”  The cost is just £10 (or $20US) for 4 issues and new subscribers are very welcome (www.britishreformed.org/journal/subscribe).

At this summer’s BRF Family Conference in Castlewellan Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland (9-16 July), Profs. David Engelsma and Brian Huizinga will unfold the glorious truth of our “Union with Christ” (www.cprc.co.up/articles/brfconference2020).  The booking forms for the conference (including its low prices) and the contact details for the booking secretaries are available on-line (www.brfconference.weebly.com/booking.html).  We hope that many of you will be able to join us for a wonderful week of Reformed teaching and fellowship!

As of today, the UK has ended its Covid travel rules.  This means that people arriving in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales no longer need to get tested or write a passenger locator form.  This is good news for people flying in for July’s BRF conference or those wanting to visit the CPRC in Ballymena!

May the Lord bless and keep you all,

Rev. & Mary Stewart

Below you will find special highlights of PRC and sister-church news for this eleventh Sunday of our Lord's year 2022, March 13. We praise and thank the Lord for these weekly spiritual oases on our pilgrimage through this weary world on the way to our heavenly home. May our worship this day be a sweet incense before our faithful God through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir. Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him. ~ Psalm 45:5-11

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

• This morning Rev. C. Spronk (Faith PRC) announced his decline of the call to Grace PRC.
  
  
• Today Rev. R. Barnhill preaches his farewell in Peace PRC. This week he and his family will move to Sioux Falls, SD, where he will be installed next Sunday as pastor of Heritage PRC.
  
  
• This past Wednesday, March 9, Rev. E. Guichelaar (Randolph PRC) received the call to Peace PRC (Dyer, IN). Rev. E. Guichelaar is also considering the call to First PRC-Edmonton (received Feb.27). 
  
  
• The Council of Hudsonville PRC has formed a trio of Revs. D. Kleyn (missionary to the Philippines), J. Laning (Hull PRC) and J. Marcus. The congregation will vote this Wednesday, March 16 at a special congregational meeting. *Update: Rev. D. Kleyn received this call.
  
  
• Classical appointments and pulpit supply for today in the vacant PRCs: Rev. J. Engelsma in Doon (IA) PRC; Rev. T. Miersma in First PRC, Edmonton, AB; Prof. B. Gritters and Rev. W. Langerak in Grace PRC;  Rev. S. Key (1st week) in Heritage PRC (SD); Prof. R. Cammenga and Sem. M. Wee in Hudsonville 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.
  
  

PRC DENOMINATIONAL NEWS

• In accordance with the decision of Synod 2021, the Domestic Mission Committee (DMC) sought out a calling church for Domestic/Home Missions.
  

  We joyfully report that Zion PRC has agreed to be the calling church for home missions and has been officially appointed to this role by the DMC on behalf of synod. Now the Council and congregation of Zion PRC will take the lead in calling a missionary, caring for his needs, and overseeing and supporting his work to publish the gospel of Christ in North America. While Zion PRC takes the lead, the DMC looks forward to helping the congregation in this effort as much as possible with its help and advice.
  

  Please pray that God will bless the efforts of Zion PRC and the DMC to take up the work of home missions again, especially praying that God will provide our churches with a man to serve as a home missionary. 
  In the service of Christ,
  the Domestic Mission Committee of the Protestant Reformed Churches
• Classis West: Classis West met March 2-3 in Hope PRC, Redlands, CA. An officebearers' conference was held the Tuesday before. For the official report on this meeting, visit this webpage. There you will also find links to the speeches given at the OBC.
  
  
• Future Teachers and Ministers: Information for the 2022 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 31st.

Monday morning, March 7, greeted seminary with a fresh coat of snow, a reminder that winter is not quite over in west Michigan.

PRC Seminary Notices:

• The second semester of the 2021-22 school year is now eight weeks in - just past the mid-point of the semester. Mid-term tests are being taken in some classes. The schedule and calendar have been posted on the seminary's website and the PRC website. (see special calendars on the right side). 
• The first round of practice preaching was recently completed. The second round will begin the end of the month (March 28) and continue after Spring break (April 4-8).
• Isaac Peters led devotions this past week. Arend Haveman will be in charge of them this week.
• This past weekend faculty and students attended the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, held at First Byron Center CRC.  The theme of the conference was “Made in God’s Image.”
• The next meeting of the wives of the faculty and of the students is scheduled for this Thursday evening, March 17. Student Club will next meet on Thursday evening, March 31.
• The seminary is open daily (8-5), including the library and bookstore, for our members and friends. The staff is available to assist with any other needs you may have as well. Feel free to call in advance for help with any questions.
• The printed edition of the Fall 2021 issue of the PRT Journal was recently mailed out. The digital editions (pdf and ePub) are also available on the seminary's website. 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.
• For the latest seminary news and information, visit the seminary's website.
  
  

Photo from January 2020 showing pastors C. Haak and Paulraj leading a Sola Gratia class in Vellore, India

SISTER-CHURCH/MISSION NEWS:

• Georgetown PRC had this India (Vellore) Update in her bulletin today: "Members of both the English and Tamil churches are again worshipping together as covid restrictions are lifted. English Bible studies take place in the doctor’s residences followed by a fellowship dinner. Pastor Paulraj is busy ministering to both churches, teaching the Sola Gratia Classes, Bible Studies, and house visits. The GHF children and families are doing well. The church building construction continues. The government decision on the FCRA renewal (Foreign monetary support for the GFH) is expected in the next few weeks, for which our prayers are requested. The PRCV concludes: 'Thank you for your continued love, care, and support to missions here and your love and care to Jason there. We keep you close in our prayers every day.'"
  
  
• Covenant ERC, Singapore and her Kolkata, India mission work:
  • Pastor J. Tan is busy serving the CERC faithfully each week as her new pastor.  His "pastoral note" to the congregation includes this note: "Today we worship God in holiness. We worship God confessing that not just today, not just part of our being, but in the whole of our lives, the whole of our being, is to be separated from all sin and consecrated unto God. “God, you are the reason of my existence. Infinitely glorious God, receive my feeble worship this day, for the sake of Jesus Christ”.
  • The last issue of "Reformed News Asia" was published in December 2021 - #65. Be sure to check it out for the latest news from our sister!

• Covenant PRC, N. Ireland:
  
  • Rev. A.Stewart continues to minister the Word faithfully to the saints in Ballymena. 
  • Sign up for the 2022 British Reformed Fellowship family conference at Castlewellan Castle in Northern Ireland from Saturday, July 9, to Saturday, July 16. The speakers, Prof. David Engelsma and Prof. Brian Huizinga will lecture on "Union With Christ." For information see the website (http://brfconference.weebly.com).
  • The newest issue of "Covenant Reformed News" has been published - check out the February 2022 edition here. Follow the link to read the latest profitable articles by Revs. A. Stewart and R. Hanko.
• PRC in the Philippines and her mission work:
  • The latest Philippines Newsletter is available - January 2022 (visit the foreign missions page and see the download at the top of the right-hand column).
    
  • Berean PRC bulletin: Rev. V. Ibe led the worship services today. "The saints in All of Grace Protestant Reformed Fellowship (AGPRF), Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. will join us in our worship services today via live stream at our Facebook page, D.V." The BPRC March newsletter is now out! See the attached pdf to read a variiety of news and activity items about and from the congregation.
    
  • Provident PRC bulletin: Rev. R. Smit preached and lead her worship services today. The services are being livestreamed at the “PPRC and Friends” Facebook page."
  • The PRCP Seminary had mid-term exams this week (March 7-11).

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

• Today Rev. R. Kleyn (First PRC-Grand Rapids, MI) resumes speaking for the RWH. The focus will be a series on the life of Joseph, with other special messages interspersed. Today's message is based on Genesis 37:1-11 and titled "Joseph's Dysfunctional Family."
  
• 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.).
  

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REFORMED RESOURCES FOR EDIFICATION, EDUCATION, and EVANGELISM

• The Reformed Book Outlet (downtown Hudsonville, MI plaza - see photo above) is open four days a week and features Reformed publications, good Christian music, and other practical items (cards, etc.) Come visit the store Tuesday - Friday from 10am-5pm, or Saturday from 10 am - 1pm!
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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

"There are huge economic disparities around the world and even within individual countries, such as South Africa and Suriname. There are the haves and the have-nots, the rich and the poor, and the First World and the Third World, though there are, of course, many degrees between these extremes.

"Material poverty and economic disparity are also found in Christ’s blood-bought church, considered both globally and in individual congregations. Our Saviour Himself said, “For the poor always ye have with you” (John 12:8).

"Christ Himself opens the third seal and sends forth the black horse! This teaches us that agriculture and trade, failed crops and inflation, empty bellies and famine relief agencies, etc., are included in God’s counsel and governed by the Lord Jesus seated at His right hand. “For promotion [or material prosperity] cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Ps. 75:6-7).

"Jehovah is sovereign over the distribution and inequality of foodstuffs and wealth, determining whether we own or rent property, live in a mansion or a hovel, are employed or unemployed, have empty or full larders, etc. Even man’s sinful responses—the snobbery and condescension of the prosperous, and the envy and resentment of the poor—are not outside of the eternal decree of our heavenly Father."

Rev. A. Stewart on the running of the black horse in the February 2022 issue of "Covenant Reformed News."