W&D Magazine - Summer 2022

INSIDE

Summer 2022 Disaster Relief Dominican Republic Serving People in Jesus’ Name

South Africa

Mukhanyo’s New Durban Campus

Education

Sin, Race, and Gospel Grace

Partnership

NAPARC Partnership Relationships

Sponsorship

Adoration Christian School

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF WORD & DEED, AN INTERATIONAL REFORMED RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY

>foreword By dave vander meer

Lord Willing North Americans are generally over-scheduled people.

We fill our calendars with work-related tasks, kids’ activities, family functions, church events, and the list could keep on going. At Word & Deed, we are pretty scheduled as well. We coordinate visits to supporting churches, Business Group meetings, one-on-one conversations with individuals, and calls and visits with our partners around the world.

How many of us throw up our hands when our plans have to change? It throws us off. We are aggravated when something that may have taken months to plan is no longer going to happen. Have you ever had a child get sick as you are just about to leave for a big family gathering? There is disappointment all around.

Instead

“

Unfortunately, God’s sovereignyou ought to ty is not the first thing that say, ‘If the Lord comes to mind when situations wills, we will like these present themselves. live and do this We lose perspective very quickor that.’ ly. We go about our daily lives james 4:15 just thinking that everything will be the same from moment to moment. For many of us, this was the case in March 2020.

After those first few weeks, I often thought of James 4:13– 16, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow . . . Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’”

“

What powerful words, “If the Lord wills.” All of life hangs on those words! Dr. Simon Kistemaker, in his New Testament Commentary on James, said this: “James teaches that God is sovereign in all our lives. In all our planning, deeds, and accomplishments we must acknowledge our submission to God . . . Instead of ignoring God in our daily activities, we ought to place Him first.”

When I was a child, the bulletin from my church would often have the letters “D.V.” behind certain announce-

02

Word&Deed I

Summer 2022

ments. I didn’t know for the longest time what it meant, but as I learned the meaning, I appreciated them all the more. “D.V.” stands for the Latin phrase, Deo Volente, “God Willing.” I think our partners in the developing world understand that so much better than we do. So many people, when they pray “give us our daily bread,” don’t have full cupboards and are actually asking for their daily bread or are under direct threat of persecution for their faith.

In this issue of the Word & Deed magazine, we are reminded in the Meditation that God moves us to places we would not choose or maybe expect. That does not mean God has left us, but that He wants us to desire Him. We want to share this desire with our partners, each in their own unique situation, culture, and people group. Heidi reminds us in her article, “Sin, Race, and Gospel Grace,” that it is this desire for God’s glory that defines and unites believers all over the world!

We can also see the work of the Lord bringing believers from different Reformed churches to work together through Word & Deed in Rick Postma’s article, “NAPARC Partner Relationships.”

As you read updates on disasters that are being responded to by Word & Deed partners, we recognize that these situations are also part of the Lord’s will. The message is that God is working through these disasters for His glory. The same is true of the lives of the patients at the hospital in the Dominican Republic, and in the news of a new campus location for Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa.

There is much happening all over the world and none of this happens without the Lord’s blessing, which should remind us of two small yet very important words: Lord Willing. W&D Dave Vander Meer works for Word & Deed in the Public Relations and Projects departments. He lives in Hudsonville, Michigan, with his family.

WORD&DEED

meditation

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

>

Summer 2022 Editor Rick Postma Assistant Editor Scott Koopman Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editors Shelly Crites, Hanna Korvemaker, Kara Luiting, Bethany Post, Susan Trentacosti

tHe

Longing

for

God

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 – Corney Les Vice-Chairman – John Vangameren Secretary – Harold Leyenhorst Treasurer – Henry de Waal Wilf Bout, Dr Arjan de Visser, John Jagersma, Bert Mulder, James Neven, Paul Wagenaar USA Board of Directors President – Paul Beezhold Vice President - Jay Van Voorst Secretary – Harry Kooistra Treasurer – Karen Vander Sloot Eric Brandt, Eric Greendyk, Paul Laman, Pete Vander Stel, Pastor Adrian Dieleman Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke –

International Educational Consultant Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Pastor Richard Bout –

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

Pastor Mark Vander Hart –

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

Pastor 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.

Several Hebrew manuscripts confirm the claim that Psalms 42 and 43 were originally one psalm. The author of the psalm is forced to depart from Jerusalem. His distance from the Lord and the presence of his enemies around him cause him to lament and cry to the Lord for help. It is from this situation that the theme of the psalm “The Longing for God” emerges.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Ps 42:1–2) The psalmist’s physical distance from Jerusalem causes him to lament and cry for help. Unlike the psalmist, believers today have direct access to God because of the redemptive work of Christ. The psalmist suffered because of his distance from the temple and had a strong desire to return to the temple and to experience the divine life-giving presence.

“O my God, my soul is cast down within me . . .

Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; all Your waves and billows have gone over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me . . .” (Ps. 42:6–8) Verses six and seven are an expression of the overwhelming despair and trouble that the psalmist was in. However, verse eight goes on to

express the steadfast love that God has for those in covenant with Him. This love is for those who acknowledge His rule over them and for those to whom He has given His promises.

“Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! For You are the God of my strength . . . Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Ps. 43:1–2, 5).

The phrase “vindicate me” is a technical term that refers to a judicial setting. The psalmist felt that he was greatly wronged by his enemies.

He wants to prove that the charges against him were wrong. In this regard he asks God to plead his cause. In the verses that follow, the psalmist takes a fresh hold on God’s character. It is evident that he finds no other source of strength but in God alone. It also expresses that his ultimate hope is in God. The psalmist turned his physical separation from the temple into a growing desire for God. He turned his discouragement into a longing for God. And finally, he turned his longing for God into prayer. As believers, we too should express our longing for God, plead our cause, and strengthen ourselves in the Lord who strengthens us. W&D Summer 2022 I Word&Deed

03

>DisasteR ReLieF

Haiti Haiti—Earthquake Relief An earthquake that hit Haiti in August 2021 caused extensive damage in the area where the microloan program funded by Word & Deed operates. The earthquake destroyed many buildings, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries. Affected were 75% of the 2,400+ loan associates and their families. Word & Deed, along with our partner, came to an agreement with the beneficiaries that if their home was 50% damaged, then 50% of their loan would be forgiven; if their home was completely damaged, then their entire loan would be forgiven. We then reim-

04

Word&Deed I

Summer 2022

bursed this money to our partner so that they could continue to serve the community. Word & Deed also provided funding so that associates who lost their businesses would receive a small amount of money to use to restart their business. Initial relief of water and food was also provided.

Indonesia

While much attention has rightfully been paid to the impact of COVID-19 around the world and the greatly distressing situation in Ukraine, other natural disasters and violence continue as creation groans under the brokenness caused by sin (Rom. 8:22). Word & Deed, along with our partners, continues to respond to many needs by bringing physical relief and the hope of the Gospel to countless people. Here are some short updates on various relief efforts from recent months.

Indonesia—Cyclone Relief In April 2021, Cyclone Seroja brought devastating winds and rain to the very island in Indonesia where our partner Children of Light (COL) has its schools. Some homes and churches were demolished and damaged, including some of the COL schools. Although the lives of many of the school beneficiaries were impacted, we praise the Lord that none lost their lives. Word & Deed responded by sending $40,000 USD to use for immediate needs. This was followed up by an additional $200,000 USD for the reconstruction and repair of homes and other buildings.

Our partner was able to provide assistance to more than 500 families.

Kenya

lies associated with the training centers were adversely affected by the rains. Some were displaced due to the flooding and most had their crops washed away. One month of food relief was provided to 1,300 families in the hardest-hit areas. Relief was distributed to members of 18 churches that are associated with ongoing Logos trainings.

The churches were key to identifying and distributing the relief alongside the Logos team, allowing them to share the Gospel in both deed and Word.

Nigeria

Kenya—Food Relief Kenyan farmers experienced a bad harvest last year, and as a result, food has doubled in cost. In response to this crisis, a seed program was established with our new partner, RTS of Bumala, Kenya. Three hundred beneficiaries were taught to properly plant and care for their crops.

Pastor Eric gave Gospel messages and biblical instruction as part of the training. After the initial training and planting, armyworms attacked some crops, and chemicals were secured to stop them from destroying all the crops.

Then, on April 27, 2022, intense storms came and many of the farmers lost what was left of their crops to flooding.

Word & Deed, working with our partner, was able to supply needed seed and fertilizer in time for farmers to replant their fields. Please pray for an abundant harvest!

Nigeria—Violence Relief The Nigerian Reformed Church continues to minister to those who suffered from the violence that took place on May 30, 2021. Pastors and elders have attended trauma counseling courses to better equip the church to serve the many victims. In addition, the important work of rebuilding the homes of those affected by the violence continues. The rains have affected the timing of some of the rebuilding, but all the beneficiaries have received some assistance to rebuild or repair their homes. In total, 200 families in four villages will have received rebuilding assistance. Thirty students who lost a parent in the violence have also received scholarship aid. W&D

Malawi—Cyclone Relief Tropical Storm Ana started on January 24, 2022, in southern Malawi and heavy rains lasted several days. Logos Ministries currently runs 15 training centers in the rural areas of the southern region, and many of the fami-

softball

tournaments

Lethbridge, AB – June 25 Grand Rapids, MI – August 6 Paris, ON – September 10 Chilliwack, BC – September 10 Summer 2022 I Word&Deed

05

>DomiNiCaN RepuBLiC

By Dr. Silvia Martinez

Serving People

IN

Jesus’ Name

Throughout the years we have continued to see the Lord’s help and provision in each of our hospital programs and, by God’s grace, the Sociedad Lucas Hospital has been able to reach and help hundreds of families.

We continue with our community outreach program, visiting families, doing medical brigades, and giving talks to help not only diagnose and treat illnesses, but also to prevent them so that the community can grow in health. Thanks to the blood chemistry analyzer that was recently purchased with the help of Word & Deed, we have also been able to detect, diagnose, and treat diseases sooner than before.

One thing we are glad about is that our outreach program has also inspired the community to learn about the blessing of giving and helping others. Now members of the community are coming together to donate medications to the hospital for us to give to those who need them. We believe that this is a great step forward for the members of the community who are not only receiving, but are also now giving to help others, and we thank God for this.

Throughout the years we have continually seen the Lord’s help in each hospital program. We thank God for Word & Deed because without your help it would be difficult to help all these people. Thank you very much. We pray for all of you. W&D Dr. Silvia Martinez is the Director of the Sociedad Lucas Hospital in the Dominican Republic which seeks to serve people in Jesus’ name.

Sociedad Lucas Hospital This hospital has two floors that include a pharmacy, lab center, emergency services, and semi-private rooms. It also includes rooms for ultrasounds, examinations, dentistry, and surgery. The purpose of the hospital is to provide holistic care which focuses on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the patient.

It serves an area of over 100,000 people in five communities. Budget for 2022: $65,000 CAD / $49,000 USD

06

Word&Deed I

Summer 2022

patient stories

>FROM The BOaRD By paul beezhold

board and staff retreat

Belanger is 18 years old with many dreams and goals. He was suffering from some symptoms that had forced him to stop going to school due to intense pain. Because he comes from a low-income family, he had not been able to go to any doctor, but thanks to the Lord we were able to assist him in the clinic. Belanger is now undergoing treatment for sickle cell disease and has been able to start studying again. We ask for prayer for Belanger that the Lord may continue to bring healing to his life.

Jason is a 9-year-old adventurer who was diagnosed with epilepsy. He comes from a very poor family and lives with his mother, who is a street vendor, and his two younger siblings. Due to the scarcity of resources, it was impossible for his family to take Jason to the needed medical appointments, much less buy him the medicine he needs to take every day. Because of this, he was having seizures almost every day. Thanks to the help from the hospital, we have been able to not only get Jason to his appointments, but also to provide him with the medicine he needs. We ask that you please pray for Jason’s health and for God’s healing.

After two years of being unable to gather, we were once again able to have our annual board and staff retreat with our Canada and U.S. board and staff. The weekend was held at a retreat center in Port Huron, Michigan, on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. This retreat is always a time of great encouragement and fellowship; it gives all involved the opportunity to learn and discuss matters related to Word & Deed Ministries, and it fosters good relationships among the board and staff. The food, fellowship, and singing of hymns are always an encouragement to all who attend.

This year, we were privileged to have Sherif Fahim, from the Alexandria School of Theology in Egypt, attend the retreat as a keynote speaker.

He and his family were a great blessing to all of us. We also heard from several other ministry leaders via livestream, including our partners in Kenya, Indonesia, and Costa Rica, who were able to educate and update us on the projects that Word & Deed is involved with in their specific country. Dr. Bruce Baugus, who is joining Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary as Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, also joined us virtually and led a thought-provoking discussion on Christian Ethics in Missions. We thank the Lord for His provision in allowing us to gather together once again. W&D Paul Beezhold is the President of the Board of Directors of Word & Deed USA. He lives in St. John, IN, and attends Oak Glen United Reformed Church.

Summer 2022 I Word&Deed

07

>SOUTH AFRica

By Rob Van der Kooy

Mukhanyo’s New Durban Campus After looking for a larger facility for the past two years, nearly everything is now in place for the purchase of a much better facility for the Durban Advanced Learning Center. Only the final 7% of the purchase price must be received from South African donors. Mukhanyo is grateful for the 78% given by Word & Deed, and for the rest of the money raised with the help of a matching donation from a South African donor. The move will still take a few months to finalize due to various formalities, including the normal delays by local authorities.

The new campus will be beneficial for several reasons: It has more offices, ample space for the library and lecture rooms, and access to transportation and shopping facilities nearby. The center should be able to accommodate an increase in students for at least the next ten years.

By God’s grace, the Center was able to open and continue functioning through difficult times in the past 2.5 years with only some minor setbacks and delays. Dr. Brian DeVries, Mukhanyo’s principal, remains optimistic that the center’s progress will continue with steady growth each year.

Two recent disasters have proved that now, more than ever, the Durban region needs quality biblical education—thus the importance of training ministers, especially in times of disasters, to provide spiritual leadership and faithful instruction.

In July 2021, there was widespread politically inspired unrest around Durban and the surrounding region. Hundreds of people were killed, thousands of shops were ransacked, and many local businesses and other properties were destroyed. Most people have become poorer as a result.

At Mukhanyo’s Main Campus in KwaMhlanga.

While still recovering from this disaster, the region was hit in April 2022 by rainfall on an unprecedented scale. Many roads, bridges, the port, and other infrastructure were damaged. An estimated 600 school buildings were damaged and approximately 13,000 houses and shacks were damaged or destroyed. The provision of water and electricity was interrupted, and the death toll is more than 400 people. Once again Mukhanyo’s campus was only marginally affected: some leaks in the center and no water or power for only a few days, according to campus manager Rev. Antonio Coppola.

A few students couldn’t reach the center due to damaged roads but have since returned unharmed. The floods took place during the Easter break, so classes were not running at the time.

Through this all, Mukhanyo’s vision remains the same: To equip pastors and other Christians with biblical knowledge and the ability to minister in local churches and communities across Africa. The Durban campus is built on the Rock, our Lord Jesus Christ, and we seek to assist many faithful men and women to build their ministries on this Rock. It is this solid foundation that will withstand all challenges, both present and future. W&D Rob Van der Kooy works at Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa.

08

Word&Deed I

Summer 2022

Prayer RequestS 1.

1

Pray for the Sociedad Lucas Hospital in the Dominican Republic, and specifically for the physical and spritiual health of Belanger and Jason.

2.

2

Pray for the effectiveness of Word & Deed’s disaster relief efforts in various countries. Pray that even in these difficult times for these people, the Gospel will take root in their hearts by the working of the Holy Spirit.

3.

3

Pray that the campus in Durban will be faithful in its training of pastors, and that it will have an impact on Africa for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that the Durban campus and its teachers and students will be salt and light in the midst of the politically inspired unrest in the area.

4.

4

Pray that our relationships with many churches and denominations worldwide will be blessed and used for the furtherance of Christ’s kingdom.

5.

5

Pray for repentance of any sin-based bias in our lives, and that we will stand on the truth of God’s Word as we love our brothers and sisters in Christ across cultural lines.

Summer 2022 I Word&Deed

09

>EDUCaTion By heidi pronk

Sin, Race,

and

Gospel Grace

In the span of four days recently, there were three mass shooting incidents in the United States which appear to be racially motivated. We cannot deny the existence or ugliness of racism. As believers, we grieve the loss of life and we grieve the sins that motivate it. We cannot and should not turn a blind eye to racism, violence, or injustice, nor should we ever become callous to it.

At Word & Deed, we serve people from many diverse communities, so it is imperative that we understand what God’s Word says. We see the sins of oppression and injustice in various forms and how they affect the lives of beneficiaries in our projects. From the lingering effects of apartheid in South Africa to the rich oppressing the poor, the examples are plentiful. The Bible repeatedly reminds us that God is a God who loves justice and defends the oppressed (Ps. 103:6, Ps. 146:7).

In Isaiah 1:17, we are admonished to “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the

10

Word&Deed I

Summer 2022

oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.”

This is what we, through our partners and projects, seek to accomplish with God’s help.

If we look at race and justice through the Gospel lens of creation, sin, redemption, and restoration, we see a beautiful, unifying message that runs consistently from Genesis through Revelation. In the opening words of Genesis, God tells us that He created man in His own image (Gen. 1:27).

The Imago Dei, our shared identity, is reiterated in Acts 17:26: “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth...” As created image-bearers, we all have dignity and value. We are all part of the same family. In creation, all people everywhere share an identity. However, this identity has been marred by sin. Scripture tells us that we have all sinned in Adam (Rom. 5:15­–19), and we have all sinned in our own hearts (Rom. 3:23, 1 Cor. 3:13) so that none of us can boast about being better than another. We all have the root sin of pride living in us which easily leads to feeling superior. In this, then, we are all united by a common problem. And yet, in God’s great grace, we are also all invited to share in redemption through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. The glorious call of the Gospel to find forgiveness and salvation in Jesus goes out to all people regardless of creed, class, sex, or race (Heb. 5:9, John 3:16, Acts 10:43). Finally, the Bible offers a glorious promise that one day, because Jesus secured our eternal redemption, all who believe will be fully restored as we wor-

wise & impactful

ship Him together in perfect harmony (Heb. 9:26-28; Rev. 7:9-10).

The secular world also offers a diagnosis and a prescription in the form of ideological social justice or critical race theory, but can we trust this remedy? Contemporary ideas rooted in critical theory make no provision for a common Creator, but insist that the only identity that matters is how we define our relationships of oppression with others (intersectionality). While Scripture defines sin as a personal offense against a holy God, critical theory limits “sin” to oppression in the form of racism, sexism, classism, patriarchy, homophobia, etc., and neglects the first table of the law. Through its emphasis on group identities, it diminishes the need for personal responsibility and repentance. It offers no redemption but rather requires constant activism, protest, and education as penance for the sin of oppression. And, finally, its promise of liberation falls short in that it speaks only to the power structures of this world and offers nothing beyond temporal victories.1 Any form of racial, ethnic, or class division—whether it is apartheid, Kinism, great replacement theory, tribalism, caste systems, critical theory, or any other divisive manmade construct—is unbiblical because Jesus resoundingly broke down the walls of hostility (Eph. 2). That means we are one with fellow believers around the world without regard to income level, skin color, or culture. It is the Gospel that unites us—in our humanity, in our fallenness, in our salvation, and in eternity. When God’s people are faithful to Scripture, when we love one other with “lowliness, gentleness, and longsuffering” (Eph. 4:2), then the Gospel is advanced and God is glorified. W&D Heidi Pronk is the Administrator for Word & Deed USA and the Project Manager for Malawi, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Notes 1. Basic principles adapted from Neil Shenvi, “Apologetics.” https://shenviapologetics.com

gifts

that reduce

“

taxes

“

Word & Deed is a God-centered ministry that we personally trust and wholeheartedly believe in. They take a biblical approach to helping others in need through local Christians who also bring a Gospel message to their communities. We appreciated that we could continue to positively impact the ministry by giving in a way that was for our tax benefit.

Paul & Laurina from Michigan

Stocks Retirement Accounts Real Estate / Land Farm Commodities Tangible Personal Property and Equipment Business Interests Life Insurance To learn more about this opportunity, contact Dave Vander Meer at dvandermeer@wordanddeed.org or 269-760-0771.

Summer 2022 I Word&Deed

11

>Partnership By rick postma

NAPARC Partnership Relationships Since 2007, I’ve had the privilege of taking part in NAPARC (North America Presbyterian and Reformed Churches) mission meetings in Philadelphia on behalf of Free Reformed Missions.

The meetings have always been warmly and generously hosted by the Mission of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Over the years I’ve had the blessing of getting to know and learn from many mission leaders such as Mark Bube and Rev. Doug Clawson (Orthodox Presbyterian Church), Rev. Frank Van Dalen (Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church), Dr. Jonathan Watt (Reformed Presbyterian Churches of North America), Dr. Arjan de Visser (Canadian Reformed Churches), Rev. Richard Bout (United Reformed Churches in North America), and many more. Over time, some of these men have moved on to other roles and callings and been replaced by new representatives for their respective denominations.

While the vast majority of Word & Deed’s projects involve indigenous churches and organizations, a growing number of projects have also been funded with the missions of various NAPARC churches, with the relationships developed over the years in Philadelphia acting as a springboard. As an aside, Word & Deed’s goal of having like-minded denominations work together in God’s Kingdom is one of the key things that attracted me to join this ministry in 2005.

Before funding is provided for any project, a fairly extensive review takes place regarding the purpose and funding details of any given proposal.

Looking back over the last 12 months, here is a brief survey of some of the one-time projects we have funded with NAPARC missions.

Orthodox Presbyterian Church Mission The OPC has been planting churches and facilitating the

12

Word&Deed I

SUMMER 2022

provision of medical care as a means of sharing the Gospel in Uganda since the early 2000s. Word & Deed recently approved $100,000 USD ($128,400 CAD) of the total $160,000 USD ($205,500 CAD) cost to construct 12 staff housing units, bathrooms, and a well for the AYPC (Akisyon a Yesu Presbyterian Clinic) in Karamoja, Uganda.

The OPC mission also provides seminary training in Mbale, Uganda. In May, Word & Deed approved $38,350 USD/ $47,800 CAD of a total budget of $55,500 USD to construct a 10-room dorm, kitchen, offices, and guest area for their Knox School of Theology Uganda.

Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (World Witness) Word & Deed recently approved $150,000 USD / $189,000 CAD for the purchase and delivery of a refurbished “cardiac catheterization laboratory” at the World Witness affiliated Christian Hospital Sahiwal in the Punjab region of Pakistan.

A Cath Lab is used to place cardiac stents into arteries within the heart to reopen vessels that have been restricted due to plaque and calcium buildup. Cath Labs are complete units of technology that have X-ray and fluoroscopy units, along

with surgical tables, computers, screens, and various parts and pieces that make up the complete lab. The goal of this large hospital, which began in 1908 and has grown to 200 beds and 180 staff, is to use medical needs as a means to share the Gospel. It is very highly respected in Pakistan.

Reformed Presbyterian Global Missions affiliated projects in South Sudan Over the years, Word & Deed has funded two expansions of the Christian school project in Aweil, South Sudan (Cush4Christ), as well as many radios for their FM and shortwave outreach ministries. In March, approval was given to fund 500 shortwave radios ($10,000 USD/$12,800 CAD) for the Good News Radio Program, launched in 2021, to bring the Gospel to Muslims in Darfur, Sudan.

Mukhanyo Theological College in South Africa Mukhanyo is affiliated with Heritage Reformed Missions, and Word & Deed has helped fund the Distance Learning Program as well as campus expansions and renovations. In December 2021, Word & Deed approved $173,000 USD/$222,000 CAD toward the pur-chase of the new Durban campus (see article on page 8 in this issue for more information about this).

Space precludes listing all the projects involving the missions of NAPARC. Word & Deed helped fund the Christian school in Costa Rica affiliated with Pastor Bill Green’s work there during COVID-19, while continuing to help fund Education Plus, an outreach to hundreds of children and young people living in shantytowns. Word & Deed is also helping fund the

After-School Program in Cubulco, Guate-mala, as well as the hospital there, both affiliated with Free Reformed Missions— just to highlight a few more.

We pray that the Lord will bless all of these missions’ endeavors to the glory of His Name and for the salvation of many precious souls. W&D Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

ADORATION COLOUR RUN

Make a difference in the lives of Adoration Christian Center students in Haiti by participating in our 7th annual 5K Adoration Colour Run! Join us and others at Bayfront Park in Hamilton, ON, on September 10.

More information on this event can be found at www.adorationcolourrun.net

adorationcolourrun.net Summer 2022 I Word&Deed

13

SPONSORSHIP adoration christian school in haiti

Adoration’s focus is to provide a quality, Christian education for at-risk students, equipping them so that they can impact their churches, their communities, and the world for the glory of Jesus Christ.

To sponsor a student at Adoration, email Kara at office@wordanddeed.org or visit wordanddeed.org/childsponsorship.

14

Word&Deed I

SUMMER 2022

Analiyah Age: 4 Years Old

JOB Age: 7 Years Old

samuel

Age: 4 Years Old

summer 2022 I Word&Deed

15

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

Foreword 1. Do you think about the Lord throughout the day? When you go through disappointment or hard times, are you thinking about how the Lord is leading you through that situation for your benefit?

Meditation 1. Many of us recently experienced a time when we could not meet together for corporate worship as we normally would. What was that like for you? Did you lament like the Psalmist?

2. Why is it good to come together as a body of believers to worship the Lord?

Disaster Relief 1. List all the countries mentioned in this article that have been affected by a disaster. List all the different types of disasters that happen. Did you know that Word & Deed is currently involved in more disasters than these? What do you think is the most critical part of disaster relief? Why? Dominican Republic 1. What is the new piece of equipment that the hospital received? Research and describe what this equipment does and how it works. What change seems to be taking place in the community?

2. Can you relate to any aspects of Belanger’s and Jason’s stories? If so, how? If not, do you give thanks to God for your good health?

South Africa 1. What will be the benefits of the new campus in Durban?

What is Mukhanyo’s vision?

2. What struggles have they encountered throughout the process of opening the campus?

Sin, Race, and Gospel Grace 1. What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Instead of a creator, what do followers of social justice and critical race theory use as a way to identify people?

2. What is the one thing that unites all of God’s people?

If we are faithful to the Scripture, how will it affect our relationships?