W&D Magazine Spring 2021

INSIDE

Spring 2021

Disaster Relief Creative Ministry Leadership

Dominican Republic

Sociedad Lucas Hospital

Colombia Healing in Crisis

Guatemala He Cares for You

Nicaragua Hurricane Relief

South Africa

A Success with Much Potential

The Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief Ministry

>foreword By rick postma

to be

Faithful

On a recent Zoom call with members of the ICRC (International Council of Reformed Churches) Diaconal Committee, of which I am a member, the sun was shining through a window on the face of our chairman, Pastor Dirk van Garderen (New Zealand), as it was on me in Canada, while most of the others sat in darkness—Korea, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

Two other brothers took part from the US and Brazil. For me, it was 4:00 p.m. on a sunny Wednesday afternoon while for Pastor Dirk it was 10:00 a.m. on a Thursday morning. Astonishing, if you think about it.

While Word & Deed has the privilege of working alongside many churches and missions in the developing world, one question we wrestle with at times is how faithful we are being as Reformed churches in reaching out to our own local communities.

In his book, The Tragedy of American Compassion, Marvin Olasky writes of how the churches in New York City experienced significant growth as they ministered to the poor and needy in a “tough love” sort of way in the 19th century. If you wanted to eat and were able-bodied, you first had to “chop some kindling.” Along with daily needs, they ministered to the souls of those they sought to help by presenting a holy God and the need to be born again. He goes on to describe the 19th Century battle between Social Darwinism (survival of the fittest only), Social Calvinism (somewhat described above), and Social Universalism. The last “ism” mentioned here is the idea that everyone will inherit the heavens and the earth and so should get an equal share while on earth regardless of effort put forth (page 123).

Needless to say, this view won out and shaped government policy in the 20th century in much of the western world. As Olasky goes on to argue, the church reacted by ceding much of the work with the poor to the government.

At Word & Deed, we are witness to the rich blessing of the Lord in using compassion to open the hearts of countless

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precious souls to the Gospel in the developing world. But to what degree are we doing this in our own neighborhoods? Do we minister to the broken and needy in our own communities with equal compassion and commitment? Some churches are doing very well in this regard, but should we consider how we could do more or do it better? The ICRC Diaconal Committee I’m a part of thinks we should and has written a short paper on the “Diaconal Ministry of the Church.” It presents a more expansive view of the role of the office of deacon in our churches than perhaps many of us are used to, but it also pictures the deacon in the role of equipping, initiating, and guiding rather than “doing all the work.” You can view the statement at icrconline.com/diaconal.

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Enable Us

Speaking of Zoom calls, what a blessing to be able to have regular calls with our partners all over the world to discuss their work of compassion among the poor. While it doesn’t replace in-person trips, we are thankful that our ministry model, as Dave Vander Meer explains on page 4 of this magazine, allows the work to continue in the midst of COVID-19. He goes on to describe various innovative ways our partners are touching people’s lives. Other articles describe hurricane recovery work in Nicaragua, the means of medical services in the Dominican Republic to bring the Gospel, along with an update from our partner AMG Guatemala on their work, and the latest on the distance learning program at Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa.

Pastor Russell Herman, in the Meditation, challenges us all to “spread the Gospel message” and encourages us to lead lives that, “in acts of love and service, put the Gospel on display in all its transformational power and beauty.”

Amen—may the Lord enable us to be faithful to this high calling. W&D Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

WORD&DEED Official Publication of Word & Deed An International Reformed Relief and Development Agency Free for sponsors and friends

Spring 2021 Editor Rick Postma Assistant Editor Scott Koopman Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editors Shelly Crites, Hanna Korvemaker, Kara Luiting, Susan Trentacosti Word & Deed North America is an evangelical and Reformed humanitarian relief and development organization. Our aim is to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people in the developing world in accordance with biblical principles for the glory of God. With cooperating offices in St. Thomas, Ontario, and Hudsonville, Michigan, Word & Deed partners with Christian agencies in Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Myanmar, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Malawi, and South Africa.

Director of Projects John Otten Director of Public Relations Rick Postma Director Heidi Pronk Support Staff Scott Dekorte, Scott Koopman, John Kottelenberg, Kara Luiting Dave Vander Meer Canadian Board of Directors Chairman – Harold Leyenhorst Vice-Chairman – John Vangameren Secretary – Dave Wielinga Treasurer – Henry de Waal Wilf Bout, Dr Arjan de Visser, Pastor Christo Heiberg, John Jagersma, Corney Les, Bert Mulder, Lyle Ypma USA Board of Directors President – Paul Laman Vice President - Jay Van Voorst Secretary – Harry Kooistra Treasurer – Karen Vander Sloot Paul Beezhold, Eric Brandt, Eric Greendyk, Pete Vander Stel, Rev. Adrian Dieleman Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke – International Educational Consultant

Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of

Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Rev. Richard Bout –

URCNA Missions Coordinator Rev. Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church

Rev. Mark Vander Hart –

Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, Mid-America Reformed Seminary

Rev. Frank Van Dalen –

Former Executive Director of the Foreign Missions Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

Canada Office PO Box 20100 St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 Toll free 877.375.9673 office@wordanddeed.org United States Office PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Toll free 866.391.5728 usoffice@wordanddeed.org

Registered Charity Number (Canada) 89 120 0941 RR0001 EIN Non-profit Number (USA) 37-1429283

Bible quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.

meditation

By Pastor Russell Herman

>

Your Kingdom Come When we pray for God’s kingdom to come, what exactly are we asking? The Westminster Shorter Catechism answers: “We pray that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.” So, what does this look like?

In Mark 1:14–15 we read, “After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’”

Mark places a time-stamp on this text—“after John was arrested.”

Luke also records a time-stamped event in Luke 7. While John was in prison, he sends disciples to Jesus asking if He is the Messiah. Jesus replies, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them.” Jesus describes what it looks like when “the kingdom of God is at hand”—the power of the devil is overturned by acts of mercy and the good news of the Gospel is proclaimed and believed.

Though God’s primary way of establishing the kingdom is through preaching, we mustn’t dismiss acts of mercy. R. C. Sproul writes, “John Calvin said it is the task of the church to make the invisible kingdom visible. We do that by living in such a way that we bear witness to the reality of the kingship of Christ in . . . every . . . sphere of life.”

The Gospel applies to and orders every area of our life, including how we interact with the lost world around us. Jonathan Edwards writes eloquently about this in the preface of The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. He notes: “There are two ways of representing and recommending true religion and virtue to the world; the one by doctrine and precept; the other, by instance and example; both are abundantly used in the Holy Scriptures . . . God in His providence has . . . used both these methods to hold forth light to mankind, in all ages.”

Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 123 states, “‘Your kingdom come’ means: Rule us by your Word and Spirit in such a way that more and more we submit to you.” This ought to be the first answer to praying “your kingdom come”; but it also means what Philip Ryken writes: “Praying for God to establish his rule around the world. That God would raise up pastors, evangelists, missionaries, church planters, and even you to spread the Gospel that transforms.” In our lives, may we do all we can to spread the Gospel message. But may our lives also, in acts of love and service, put the Gospel on display in all its transformational power and beauty. W&D Pastor Russell Herman is the pastor of Cloverdale United Reformed Church in Boise, Idaho, where he lives with his family.

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>DisasteR ReLieF

By Dave Vander Meer

Creative Ministry Leadership Adaptability—The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

One of the advantages of having indigenous leadership in the projects we support is that leaders are on the ground when disaster strikes and are not sent back “home” to North America. Second, during times of difficulty, people are more receptive to hearing a Gospel message from locals—those who know the culture and its nuances. Lastly, local leadership will have a better grasp and understanding of the challenges and resources available to overcome difficulties.

We have again been reminded of the importance of this principle due to challenges from COVID-19. While feeding thousands of people became the number one priority for a time (this was a challenge for local leadership: identifying the neediest, securing food supplies at a reasonable price, transportation, and delivery with hope in a Gospel message), the continuation of the projects in some capacity needed to happen as well.

The leadership at Logos (theological training) in Malawi had to stop the in-person training. They instead started broadcasting classes in Bible doctrine and church leadership over three different radio stations for coverage around the country. Many more Christians were able to hear these courses.

Quininde is in the tropical area of Ecuador, where most people don’t have computers. The after-school children’s programs were shut down because of government lockdowns.

The staff started a daily prayer time early in the morning over the phone. Afterward they would start reaching out to children and families over WhatsApp. When the schools open this program will return to normal.

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Finally, in Costa Rica the students of the shanty towns have had only one month of regular school since August 2019. In the fall of 2019, the public school teachers went on strike, which lasted the remainder of the school year (school ends in December). School started back up in February 2020 and then was shut down again in March 2020 because of COVID-19. Students in the shanty towns don’t have access to computers and are the last priority for the government. Paper packets were to be picked up by parents and completed at home on a monthly basis with little real learning happening. Word & Deed’s partner Education Plus who normally ministers to children in shanty towns started a program this past October to tutor children. For four days a week, thirty students a day (Grades 3–6) are transported to a rented building and tutored by one of the staff of CECRE (the Reformed school that Pastor Bill and Aletha Green started). This includes a time for Bible study. On Feb 8, 2021, the public schools in Costa Rica opened for two hours per day, two days per week. The tutoring program will continue for the foreseeable future.

We give thanks for the leadership of our projects around the world and the ability that God has given them to adapt under extraordinary circumstances to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of so many. W&D Dave Vander Meer works for Word & Deed in the Public Relations and Projects Departments. He lives in Hudsonville, Michigan, with his family.

DOMiNiCaN RePUBliC <

By Dr. Silvia Martinez

Sociedad Lucas Hospital Through the Pandemic

When the pandemic came in March, we never thought things like this would happen, but the hospital didn’t stop operating. People were scared; we didn’t know exactly what we were facing, but we knew about the God we serve, that He is Sovereign, and that we are in His Hands.

emotional needs. We keep sharing the Gospel and our chaplain introduced a patient to Jesus. The patient was very anxious with everything that is happening with the virus, but our chaplain talked to him, prayed with him, and then the patient expressed a desire to follow Jesus. Now his whole family is attending church. Praise be to our Lord!

Some of our colleagues got sick. We thought they would die, but they did make it through; others didn’t make it. At the The other day when our general doctor and our pediatrician were walking through the community, they hospital we are following the protocols ordered found many people surrounding a lady that by the authorities to avoid the spreading of The was lying down in the sidewalk. She was the virus (social distancing and the use Luke Society in labor and no one knew what to do. of masks, face shields, gowns). Each The doctor and pediatrician were Hospital patient needs to wear a mask to be there just in time to help this lady. seen by a doctor.

The problem was that as she was But there have been days in This hospital has two floors including a pushing to deliver the baby, but which we have seen the impact pharmacy, lab center, emergency services, and the baby’s umbilical cord was semi-private rooms. It also includes rooms for of the hospital in the different around its neck. The baby could ultrasounds, examinations, dentistry, operations, areas—assisting the patients have died if the doctors from and labor & delivery. The purpose of the hospital in their spiritual, physical, and our clinic hadn’t been there. is to provide holistic care which focuses on the Our doctors assisted the lady spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the patient. It serves an area of over by removing the cord from the 100,000 people in five communities. baby’s neck. But when the baby Budget for 2021: $63,000 CAD / was delivered, she didn’t cry as a $47,000 USD baby would normally do right when they are born. She was not breathing well and after rapid intervention by our pediatrician the baby started to breathe and then started to cry. Our doctors said that was the most beautiful cry they heard that day. This beautiful baby and her mom are doing great now. The parents of the baby are very thankful to God for using the hospital to help them.

This has been one of our favorite verses we share in our devotions with our staff and volunteers: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will keep you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Jesus said that He will be with us “always to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Much thanks to Word & Deed for supporting the hospital program here in the Dominican Republic. W&D Dr. Silvia Martinez is the Executive Director of Sociedad Lucas Hospital in the Dominican Republic.

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>CoLoMBia Healing

in

Crisis

We live in a world in crisis. We understand that these crises are the result of sin, evidenced by the breakdown of people’s relationships with God, with themselves, with others, and with creation. These consequences are clearly evident in many families and unfortunately the vulnerable in these homes are often the most affected.

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By Pastor Carlos Figueroa

In response to this great challenge, our family protection program called “Family Mission” is a program where a team consisting of a psychologist, social worker, and chaplain provides counseling, guidance, and support to children and their families inside their home. This is done through sessions focused on the foundations of the Word of God. The team seeks to strengthen family relationships and provides resources that make it possible to overcome their situation.

The effectiveness of this proposal has its origin in the preaching of the Gospel first. We compare it with the situation of an injured person who requires first aid and then is admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for the rehabilitation of their health. In our case, families in crisis require immediate response, then intensive and intentional care for effective results in the intervention process. The stages in the process are: REFERRAL: Cases are referred by the schools when they consider that a child may be at risk.

RESEARCH: We obtain information about the family’s condition in order to verify the referral information and to collect data for making the diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS: We create a professional concept through the information obtained.

PLANNING: Once the diagnosis is made, our team creates a plan that will be presented to the family. The goals are reviewed with the family and adjusted if necessary to later be signed by each family member. The family is the one that commits to the process and the team is the facilitator.

TREATMENT: The follow-up plan is developed through sessions with the family at their home.

In every session, a biblical reflection based on the family’s needs is shared by the chaplain and the family is encouraged to meditate on the Word of God and establish their own study habits of the Bible. About 10–12 sessions will take place over ten months.

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Working with families.

EVALUATION: Once the meeting is finished, the team, together with the family, reviews the agreed goals and reflects on what has been learned in the process.

FOLLOW-UP: Once the treatment process is finished, a three-month follow-up appointment ensures healthy family conditions and the effectiveness of the counseling process.

During the extensive lockdowns, reports of domestic violence increased by an estimated 175 percent in Colombia.

Since the lockdown began, many children were presented with greater risk at home than if they were at school.

During this time, problems increased relating to suicide, depression, anxiety, violence, mistreatment to members of the household, sleep disorders or difficulties, drug use, divorces and separations, and the death of a loved one. Our team was able to support these various struggles through virtual means. This time has been a great challenge that has allowed us to work as a team to virtually serve the families of our children. By conducting our work virtually, we were still able to reach into the family space and bring hope, restoration, and forgiveness. How wonderful is our good Savior Jesus who works wonders as expressed by Mrs. Diana Carolina: “We can only say THANKS, because without a doubt they (the Family Mission Team) arrived at the right time. We felt listened to, understood, and above all we were able to recognize that God is the basis of our home. With Him restoration becomes complete and we can be a happy family.“ Our team continues to see the hand of God every day because we are sure that He loves the family and is interested in blessing it. “I will bless those who bless you, and those who curse you I will curse; and all the families of the earth will be blessed in you” (Genesis 12:3). W&D Pastor Carlos Figueroa leads the spiritual counseling and family support initiatives in Colombia, assisting families in four schools and the communities surrounding them.

Conviventia / / / / / / / / / / Word & Deed partners with Conviventia to fund a number of projects in Colombia including the Family Protection Program and Christian education. Through the hope of the Gospel, these projects are making a difference in this country that often struggles with violence and corruption which has the largest effect on those who live in poverty.

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>GUaTeMala

By Alex Orellana

He Cares

for

You //////////

2020 will be a year that will remain in our memory; confinements around the world, curfews, social distancing, mask wearing, church buildings closed, and family celebrations canceled due to the fear of being infected by COVID-19. The messages that we received in our church virtual services have taught us to recognize that we are very vulnerable and that this situation affected all the nations in the world. In the midst of chaos or fear, our anxieties must be placed on the Lord.

Economics: The economic effects that the pandemic has left worldwide have undoubtedly been very strong. In Guatemala, there was an estimated loss of 80,000 jobs in September 2020, an alarming figure since this has generated other problems for the families that were impacted by this situation.

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Education: The education sector faced great challenges in Guatemala. In March 2020 faceto-face classes were interrupted and since then, all levels of education have been hosted by virtual means.

Our aim during this time was to ensure that students continued enriching their academic skills through the implementation of new means of education. AMG Guatemala’s income was negatively impacted due to the lack of income

from tuition. Twenty percent of the income was not collected and on occasion, due to lack of employment and great need in families, AMG Guatemala waived tuition charges.

Violence: It is estimated that family violence had an increase of 50 percent in 2020 and that the complaints for this type of abuse were not brought forward by the victims. The rates of violence in the country have also increased with a greater number of kidnappings and robberies in broad daylight.

Health and Nutrition: The Cubulco Hospital was greatly affected by the effects of COVID-19 at the level of care and income. The international medical groups that help at the hospital have been suspended since March, directly impacting a third of the budget for the hospital and the population that received the benefit of surgeries by medical groups. Fifty percent of households stopped buying some food due to lack of money and 24 percent stopped eating for a while due to lack of food in the whole country. The figures reported for August 2020 for cases of malnutrition were 20,294, almost 100 percent higher than in 2019, as a direct effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Camp Canaan: Due to the lockdown, the camp could not operate from March to September. In a spiritual and emotional way, the camp programs represent a positive value for the campers who have the opportunity each year to have a very positive experience in the camp and the blessing of having a space to meditate and get closer to the Lord. We are thankful to the Lord that Word & Deed continued to support Camp Canaan during the lockdown months.

Radio Program: In the first months of the pandemic, it was difficult to get to the radio station to carry out live broadcasts. However, as time passed by, the radio program became a very positive support for the community in

AMG Guatemala AMG Guatemala’s goal is to “meet people at their point of need, whether it be hunger, sickness, or hopelessness, and to show them Jesus as the only answer to the problems of this life and the only hope for eternal life.” Word & Deed first partnered with AMG Guatemala in 1994 by supporting John Otten as Director of the Señorita Helena Hospital in Cubulco. This partnership has grown to include collaboration on several projects today: hospital operations, sponsorship through La Palabra Christian School, a Christian radio program, Camp Canaan, and after-school programs in Cubulco and Yalu. May God continue to bless the work in Guatemala! Combined 2021 budget for projects with AMG Guatemala: $591,000 CAD / $443,000 USD.

Cubulco by broadcasting important information about the pandemic through our doctors there and carrying a message of hope to the population that felt desperate and in fear of the pandemic.

Through prayer, hope, love, and compassion, we have found unity as the body of Christ in this time. As AMG Guatemala we have found relief and support from our partners and friends at Word & Deed who continued to fund our regular programs and provided over $75,000 CAD / $55,000 USD in COVID-19 food relief. In times of crisis in this pandemic, they have been with us. Romans 8:39 has reminded us of the importance of having faith in times of crisis, that “Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” W&D Alex Orellana is the President of AMG Guatemala.

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Camp Canaan

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>NicaRaGua

By Scott Dekorte

in

Nicaragua

and

Guatemala

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Hurricane Relief

Two of the most powerful Caribbean hurricanes ever recorded collided into Nicaragua’s Atlantic Coast last fall.

On November 3, 2020, Category 4 Hurricane Eta slammed into the coast of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.

Hurricane Eta’s high winds centered on the town of Puerto Cabezas, removing roofs, flooding fields, and leaving 10,000 locals isolated in shelters. Merely 14 days later, the Category 5 Hurricane Iota made landfall on the same coast with 250 km/hr winds and a 5-meter-high storm surge. This second storm left 44,000 homes totally or partially damaged and tripled the economic damages of the first hurricane.

on planting critical corn and bean seeds in the ground before December 20 so as to not lose another crop cycle in the highly agricultural-based communities. Further efforts provided the locals with gasoline and oil for chainsaws to clear trails and roads to fields and remote communities.

Thankfully, Bibles were also distributed in some of the hardest-hit coastal communities. Plans are still in development for long-term rebuilding efforts. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated for the Miskito people as they rebuild their raised wooden homes, clear the fallen trees, and maintain their new crops.

Word & Deed’s local partner Palabra y Hechos, serving out of Puerto Cabezas for the past 13 years, pleaded for prayers that the Lord would protect lives as they sheltered from both storms. The team reported not having seen such devastation from a storm in their lives—commenting that the impacts were worse than Hurricane Felix in 2007. Carlos Coffin, the director of Palabra y Hechos, summarized the situation the following days in a text, “We need to start over, again.”

In Guatemala, while the wind was less of a factor, a large volume of rain was dumped on the mountainous landscape leading to mudslides and flooding which destroyed crops and homes. $15,000 CAD was provided for food relief for 600 families most impacted in the region around Cubulco.

AMG Guatemala facilitated the conversations with local community leaders on where best to assist.

Word & Deed’s immediate relief response of $25,000 CAD in Nicaragua focused on providing basic needs of food and water to those stranded from their homes. This aid was provided with the help of the local Reformed Church.

The team, alongside the Miskito communities, worked together to pump out and clean 60 contaminated village wells to restore clean and usable water. After the initial response, the rebuilding efforts of $20,600 CAD focused

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Please pray for AMG Guatemala and Palabra y Hechos as they help their people rebuild their lives both physically and spiritually. We reflect on the Lord’s protection and provision with the words of Psalm 9:9–10: “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” W&D Scott Dekorte works for Word & Deed Canada in Project Management and Public Relations. He lives in Welland, Ontario, with his wife, Alexia.

A Special 2020

Thank You!

Prayer RequestS

By Dave Vander Meer

Towards the beginning of the book of Philippians we read these words from the Apostle Paul. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you . . . for your fellowship in the gospel” (Phil 1:3, 5a). As Paul thanked God for the support of the Philippians (read 4:10–20) we thank God for your support! After COVID-19 started having its effect around the world we weren’t sure what impact this would have on our ability to fund the increasing needs of our partners. At the end of June, donations were down 30 percent in comparison to the previous year.

We asked our partners to cut their spending by 10 percent and didn’t approve any new projects moving forward. Word & Deed took a pause as we considered long-term operational needs as well as the multiple new requests for food related aid. We prayed as a staff and board, and then let you know of the situation.

We were overwhelmed by your response in the second half of 2020 and were able to provide funds for food relief in 16 different countries. “Your fellowship in the gospel” as stated in verse 5 of Philippians 1, is a reference

by Paul to the financial support received from the Philippians.

They had provided for Paul so he could advance the Gospel; you have provided support so our partners could advance the Gospel. On behalf of our partners, we thank you and thank God for you! W&D

1.

Pray that the Lord would give you the opportunity to share the Gospel with someone in both Word and deed.

2.

Pray that the relief efforts in Nicaragua and Guatemala would be blessed and that the people would have homes repaired, crops restored, and that people would turn to Christ.

3.

Pray for the work of the hospital in the Dominican Republic. Pray for the staff as they minister to the needs of both body and soul of the people who come in their doors.

4.

Pray that children in Colombia will be safe and that family relationships will be restored in Christ, in Colombia, and in all of the countries that Word & Deed partners with.

5.

Give thanks for the gifts, abilities, and creativity that God has blessed the indigenous leadership we work with and that they will use these gifts for God’s glory.

Dave Vander Meer works for Word & Deed in the Public Relations and Projects Departments. He lives in Hudsonville, Michigan, with his family.

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>SouTH AFRiCa By rob van der kooy

Mukhanyo’s Distance Groups

A Success with Much Potential A success, yes! But also with much room for growth and improvement, and with a huge potential to train church leaders to preach the Bible and to be equipped to plant and lead local churches.

That, in a nutshell, is what Mukhanyo Theological College is increasingly doing, not only in South Africa but also in six other African countries.

Gone are the days when Mukhanyo was only a college in KwaMhlanga, a semi-rural area some 65 km northeast of Pretoria. Today it also has full-time study centers in Johannesburg, Rustenburg, Pretoria, and Durban with altogether more than 1,100 students.

In addition, the fastest-growing area of Mukhanyo’s activities is its distance program. At present, there are 80 centers with more than 700 active students and 150 registered tutors. Pastor Glyn Williams, Lecturer and Distance Manager, reports that seven new centers were registered in the last year, with inquiries for eight potential centers in four countries, three outside South Africa where no centers currently exist.

dents in 2019). Some will continue to start their BTh degree studies, while others want to start distance groups themselves. Glyn has visited many centers and is impressed with the high level of dedication, but also recognizes the need for more tutor support and training.

At the Distance Forum held on September 22–23, 2020, the improvement of material delivery and the provision of quality material (study guides and DVDs), as well as further empowering group leaders, was discussed. This is already a high priority, with the implementation of a tutor training program, self-assessment, and student support.

This Distance Forum is held annually. This past year it took place at Mukhanyo’s Johannesburg campus, but most group leaders attended online through Zoom, not without technical hitches of course. This year’s forum proved how future servicing of distance groups is viable.

The distance program is substantially subsidized by donors, something for which Mukhanyo is very thankful, especially

At the end of 2020, 78 students completed their Diploma in Theology despite the pandemic (and 76 stu-

PASTOR GLYN WILLIAMS

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Many groups were able to continue meeting during the lockdown, some through difficulties such as long distances and limited facilities. But the pandemic also proved that distance study is viable while maintaining academic quality. W&D Rob Van der Kooy works at Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa.

Congratulations

now that donors have been willing and able to continue their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This enabled the Mukhanyo staff to continue developing and improving programs and serving the distance groups.

Our congratulations to

Scott (who works in our Projects and PR departments) and I thank Logos Ministries in Malawi and the Mukhanyo Theological College Distance Learning program from South Africa for the education that I have received. I started school with no knowledge of how to articulate God’s word and preach effectively. By the grace of God, I was granted an opportunity to do my studies at a very low personal cost. I am now well equipped to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am able to preach in my local church and I am active in evangelism programs with my friends. With all that, I am very grateful for your support which has been rendered to me physically and spiritually. May God bless Logos and Mukhanyo Distance Learning.

Yours Faithfully, Daniel Kumphesi

Alexia Dekorte who were recently joined in marriage. May the Lord bless your life together for His glory! Fun fact: Alexia is the daughter of Heidi Pronk (Word & Deed Director).

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>VOLUNTeeR Making

a

Difference

at a

W&D: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

HK: My name is Hidde Klaver and I am 14 years old. I moved from the Netherlands in 2015. I have two younger sisters and two older brothers—one lives in the Netherlands and the other lives nearby, is married, and has a son. I like to play music, enjoy the outdoors, and attend Rehoboth Christian School in Copetown, Ontario, Canada.

Young Age think about the children of my age that don’t have the privilege of going to school as I do. The question came into my mind how to raise money for them. My teacher is very willing in helping to send the money to Word & Deed.

W&D: How did you raise the money?

HK: First, I made house concerts for my family. I played the piano. We also have an organ, so I started to improvise on that too.

Then in the summer of 2020, I started my HIDDE KLAVER W&D: What prompted you to collect HJK Landscaping Service and went to my money for Adoration Christian School in Haiti? neighbors and worked for them. My business worked out HK: When I was in Grade 4, I heard a presentation well, so I decided to put away 10 percent of all the money about the Adoration School in Haiti. That made me I received and give it to the Adoration School in Haiti. I also continued the house concerts and started to livestream them to my family in the Netherlands. So, people listened and watched and donated.

As generation gives way to generation in North America, billions of dollars change hands.

W&D: Do you have ideas of how Who will benefit? Consider adding a child named “Charity” to your will and leave a legacy other kids your age could raise that lives on through the work of the Lord on this earth. money for a good cause?

A Living Legacy

Please contact the Word & Deed office or visit our website for more information on Planned Giving.

I hereby give to: Word & Deed Ministries Canada Inc. 39993 Talbot Line, Talbotville, Ontario, charitable registration number 891200941RR0001 OR Word and Deed USA, Hudsonville, Michigan, EIN non-profit number 37-1429283, [a specific percent] of the residue OR [a specific amount] of my estate, to be used in fulfillment of its proper purpose.

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HK: Yes, if you like to play music then you could organize a house concert. It is a very fun way of raising money and if you’re good at it then people will really enjoy it. You can let people pay for tickets or you can hold a collection so that everyone can give as much as they want. If you have a job, it is always good to give money away to a charity. I find it nice to give to children who are my age who don’t live as wealthily as I do. God wants us to remember those who are in need. You could also do chores for your mom or dad and ask for money for the Adoration School.

Maybe you can wash your dad’s car or ask your mom to help her clean the cupboards in the kitchen and tell them you want money for Word & Deed. W&D

SPONSORSHIP

MALAWI

ORPHAN CARE SUPPORT Supporters Needed for Children in Malawi!

For $8 CAD (5 children for $40) or $6 USD (5 children for $30) per month, you can cover the monthly costs of a child who is part of the Malawi Orphan Care Program. This program supports over 2,100 orphaned and vulnerable children in Malawi who are cared for in a family-based program. The support that you give will provide a child with 3-5 meals per week, school supplies and uniforms, help with their homework, biblical instruction, and family support where needed. You will receive an annual update on the status of this program.

Contact Kara at office@wordanddeed. org or by calling 1.877.375.9673 to set up your support.

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Word & Deed USA P. O. Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 USA

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID Grand Rapids, MI PERMIT #1

Publications Agreement # 40595030

SAVE THE DATE

2nd Annual

Coast-to-Coast

Bike-a-thon

June 5, 2021 With the Lord’s blessing the Coast-to-Coast Bike-a-thon in 2020 was a tremendous success. Over 400+ riders across North America raised over $300,000 CAD / $225,000 USD for the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Clinic in South Africa.

Let’s do it again! Plan to enjoy a bike ride on June 5 with a few friends or family in your local area to help raise funds for critical needs worldwide. See wordanddeed.org for more details!

If gathering restrictions necessitate it, this event may be moved to the Fall.