


BY RICK POSTMA
We live in a time when tensions are rising among countries around the world. Thankfully, by God’s grace, many are brothers and sisters in Christ and citizens of His borderless Kingdom which has both “already” as well as “not yet” dimensions. For us as Word & Deed, the differences between countries does not impact our desire to bring the Gospel to the nations in both Word and deed, together. Mercy, too, is borderless as exemplified by Jesus and his interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4.
For over 20 years, our organization has had the privilege of working closely together as Word & Deed North America. While two separate boards are required for legal purposes, they work together very closely with two combined meetings per year, one of which is in-person at our annual Staff & Board Retreat in May. As well, we have a number of combined sub-committees including a projects subcommittee, with members from both boards which meets every month.
In the end, especially during times like this, we, as well as our brothers and sisters around the world, need to look to the Word of the Lord to provide instruction, as well as encouragement, for living out our lives Coram Deo, of
“ “ We live in a time when tensions are rising among countries around the world.
which the following verse is a wonderful example: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).
In this issue of the magazine, partners who have learned to look to the Lord inform us about their projects in South Sudan and Costa Rica. Scott Koopman introduces us to our partner in the Dominican Republic, while Dr. Chris deBoer takes us on a trip to Indonesia where he was able to further equip many of the teachers in a university that we support through our partner, Reformasi. Also included is an update on our various disaster response efforts around the world and the reminder to pray for the many who suffer in ways we can scarcely imagine. An article on theological education underlines the indispensable need for church pastors and leaders equipped to teach their flocks God’s Word. In all this we need to be reminded that we are called to obey God’s revealed will as expressed in His Word, to prayerfully ask for His blessing, but to always remember that to Him belongs the victory and the glory. W&D
Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries
Official Publication of Word & Deed
An International Reformed Relief and Development Agency
Free for sponsors and friends
SPRING 2025
Editor Rick Postma
Assistant Editors
Scott Koopman, Kara Luiting
Graphic Design
Knor Graphic Design Solutions
Copy Editors
Shelly Crites, Hanna Korvemaker, Bethany Post, 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.
Executive Team
John Otten, Rick Postma, Heidi Pronk
Staff
Scott Dekorte, Scott Koopman, Kara Luiting, Dave Vander Meer, Kasper Van Veen, Nikki Veurink, Laurenne Wattel
Canadian Board of Directors
Chairman – John Jagersma Vice-Chairman –John Vangameren
Secretary – Dave Wielinga
Treasurer – Henry de Waal
Wilf Bout, Clarence Jonker, Corney Les, Bert Mulder, James Neven, Paul Wagenaar, Lyle Ypma
USA Board of Directors
President – Paul Beezhold
Vice President – Jay Van Voorst
Secretary – Harry Kooistra
Treasurer – Karen Vander Sloot
Eric Brandt, Martin Faasse, Eric Greendyk, Paul Laman, Pete Vander Stel
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
Dr. Arjan de Visser –Emeritus Professor of Ministry and Mission, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary
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.
BY PASTOR JULIUS VANSPRONSEN
In Acts 3:1–10, we read that Peter and John healed a lame man in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Every day before this, the man was carried to the temple gate that is called Beautiful to beg from the people entering the temple. We can’t help but notice the disparity of the situation. He was the well-known beggar who spent his days in the shadows of the wealth displayed in the Beautiful Gate.
The lame man’s life depended completely on the charity of the devout worshippers of God among the nation, although he could not join them because he couldn’t walk. As such, he was hoping that the people who were praying that God might care for “the poor, the sick and the needy” also understood that God was using them to provide that care. The good news of our passage is that the lame man found charitable concern among the followers of Jesus Christ.
Already in those days the Christian church was known and set apart because of her dedication to love not just in words, but also in deeds. As Peter and John made their way to the temple where Christ’s church was distributing to anyone who had need with glad and generous hearts, they had compassion on the lame man. Although Peter and John were unable to give him silver or gold because they had none, they were able to give the lame man the Gospel message of the mercy and power of Christ. Peter not only commanded him to walk in the name of Jesus Christ, but he also took him by the right hand and raised him up. As a result of God’s grace through his church the man was equipped to walk and leap and praise God.
As we consider this passage we can note that in this world suffering under the consequences of the fall, including things such as lameness and wealth disparity, the Lord wants his church to provide for both the spiritual and physical needs of others to help one another grow closer to God. May God help us to see the downtrodden, to proclaim Christ, to extend a hand, and to give others what we can so that we can all give greater praise to God our Father. May the focus of our words and deeds always remain on the increased worship of God. W&D
Pastor Julius VanSpronsen is the pastor of Immanuel Canadian Reformed Church in Edmonton, Alberta.
BY KASPER VAN VEEN
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him . . . and took care of him” (Luke 10:33–34).
In their book When Helping Hurts, Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert define relief efforts as “the urgent and temporary provision of emergency aid to reduce immediate suffering from a natural or man-made crisis.” They argue that the provision of emergency aid should be limited to situations where people are nearly, or even completely, helpless. As relatively affluent North Americans, we find it difficult to place such harsh limits on assistance, but maybe it is helpful to think of it this way: If a person has the capability to contribute to their situation, then we work with that person. However, when someone is in a situation where they cannot do anything for themselves (similar to the man left in the ditch in Luke 10), we demonstrate compassion by providing assistance for that person. It is in this context that Word & Deed considers disaster relief efforts.
Considering that we live in a sinful world, there are endless situations where immediate disaster relief is required and
we aren’t even aware of the half of it. Due to diplomatic censoring or sensationalized reporting, we at Word & Deed rely heavily on our partners to identify situations where we can provide relief from a Christ-centered, Gospel-focused approach. The Gospel message is always part of the relief our partners provide and relationships often continue after aid is provided. Here are a few examples of some recent disaster relief efforts that we have had the opportunity to help with, through your generous support.
1. Civil Violence—Haiti: Intense gang warfare and immorality continue to prevail in this impoverished country. Gangs continue to target homes and take them by force, leaving many people without shelter or means. Our partners and their church communities have done what they can to take these victims into their own homes. As such, Word & Deed has worked with our partner to provide food packages and to initiate a temporary housing program where individuals or families can find respite and an opportunity to restart their lives.
2. Warfare and Monsoons—Myanmar: This war-torn country is ravaged by years of ongoing civil war and a resultant abuse of citizens. Armed forces continue to destroy towns, villages, and homes in an attempt to seize power over opposing factions. Myanmar also struggles with a lack of infrastructure to deal with annual monsoons and floods. In 2024, Word & Deed supported our partner with the provision of food packages to more than 1,500 homeless families suffering from hunger due to the disastrous effects of warfare and flooding.
3. Volcanic Eruptions—Philippines and Indonesia: Due to their location, both of these countries are susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic activity. In November 2024, a volcano in Flores, Indonesia, experienced an unanticipated eruption and in December a volcano in the Philippines erupted. In both areas the local residents needed to flee from their homes and properties, leaving behind their possessions and livelihood. In addition to food and water, basic medical and hygiene supplies were also provided for those living in the temporary shelters that had been quickly erected. Aid was provided through the local churches and a beautiful opportunity was established to not only bring short-term aid, but everlasting hope to our fellow man.
These examples are intended to provide only a flavor of Word & Deed’s disaster relief efforts. While the opportunities to provide aid are unending, we need the insight of our partners to guide us, and your financial commitment to support them. Our partners understand the true need while Word & Deed provides that proverbial bridge to connect you with our partners and, in the spirit of the Samaritan’s care, provide the necessary follow-up ministry to address the ultimate disaster of our sinfulness. In all of this, may we be ever thankful that our gracious Father provides the ultimate relief, and may we all be willing tools in that saving work! W&D
Kasper Van Veen is the Project Manager of Indonesia, Myanmar, and Haiti. He also works in Word & Deed’s Public Relations department.
Your will is your final act of stewardship and care, a means to purposefully allocate your resources to support the people and causes you hold dear. By including charitable giving in your will, you model a legacy of generosity to your loved ones, and you help ensure that Word & Deed Ministries continues to have an impact well beyond your lifetime.
To learn more about this or other ways to give, visit our website: wordanddeed.org/get-involved/ planned-giving-canada/ Myanmar monsoon food relief.
BY JUAN CARLOS RAMIREZ
Costa Rica benefits from the tourism industry and is more stable than many neighboring countries; however, there remains large gaps between the rich and the poor. Costa Rica has had many migrants come from other countries and the majority of these ended up in shantytowns that struggle with poverty, crime, drugs, violence, gangs, and poor family conditions. A large portion of the population is nominal Roman Catholic.
“Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men” (Psalm 66:5). This verse is, without a doubt, representative of the feeling that filled our hearts during 2024. Like the psalmist, we can say, “Come and see the works of God.”
By God’s blessing we were able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Education Plus. We did not have an extravagant celebration or a great event, but we did stop to pray and thank God for the ways in which He has provided and taken care of us—even with providing a new office building for our staff.
We also had the blessing of expanding our shantytown work in a new community in 2024 in coordination with the local Reformed church. The Bible Club in this new shantytown is currently attended by 15 children, and we hope that the group will continue to grow. In addition to participating in the club and other activities, these children also attend church every Sunday. Elder Harvin Briceño is in charge of this ministry and is also responsible for the work of the small church.
During the close of the year, we had the opportunity to hold Christmas activities. This included three Christmas parties for more than 300 children and three teen dinners for 150 young people who attended regularly throughout the year. In addition, we organized Christmas carol singing in each community that we work in and brought food to the poorest families in the neighborhoods so they would have enough on Christmas Eve. In all of this, God provided for each of the activities, from food to the gifts that each child received.
The new year started with two weeks of “summer” camp. Although Costa Rica had a lot of rain those weeks, 120 children and volunteers enjoyed two weeks full of fun, sports, and mainly learning about the Gospel, whose message is urgent in a society that embraces darkness and lies. After the camps we had our Vacation Bible School in Los Cuadros.
When the new school year starts in February, we will deliver uniforms and school supplies house to house to almost 350 children and young people. This aid is important because it allows us to motivate children and also eases the burden on families during this time of year.
Although the situation of drug trafficking and gang wars continues to worsen in Costa Rica, God has cared for and protected us. For all these things we can say as the psalmist does: “Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me” (Psalm 66:20). Please pray for safety and salvation for all of the children that we work with as they face life-threatening circumstances regularly. May the Lord bless you, and pura vida! W&D
Juan Carlos Ramirez is the Director of Education Plus in Costa Rica.
BY SCOTT DEKORTE
If you were to visit Costa Rica you would see waterfalls, lush forests, and many beautiful beaches. In fact, this country is home to one of the most diverse areas of the rainforest in the world. Many different exotic birds and animals live here too!
But not everything is perfect in this “paradise” country located in Central America. If you take a closer look, you will find that many families live in sad situations with lots of broken relationships. This is especially the case for families who don’t know Jesus. Some kids have a dad who does not love their mom and who doesn’t provide for and protect his family. Often the mother has to provide for her children. Grandparents sometimes end up taking care of their grandkids also. These situations often lead to children not having enough food or clean clothes.
Rachel is a beautiful 14-year-old girl who lives in a small town near Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose. She is the oldest of seven children. Sadly, her family had to move suddenly from another country and ended up living in a little shack in Costa Rica. After they moved, Rachel’s dad was always gone and then left his family. Her mom became tired and eventually could not take care of Rachel and all her siblings; they went to live with their aunt but she also could not take care of them all. They didn’t know what to do.
Thankfully, God provided a special church family to help Rachel and her siblings. Three different couples from this church offered to adopt the children. This means each of them now has a loving and caring home to live in. Better than that, all the children now go to church together and learn about God the Father who protects and provides for His children. Recently their pastor preached on 1 John 3:1 which says, “Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” Maybe, like me, you hear that verse and start singing the song in your head! Rachel is beginning to be amazed at how God can be her spiritual Father and how she can be called a daughter of His amazing family! Please pray for Rachel and her family, that they would know our amazing Father’s love for them even in their difficult circumstances. W&D
Scott Dekorte works for Word & Deed in Public Relations and as a Project Manager.
BY SCOTT KOOPMAN
In the last week of January, I had the privilege to travel to the Dominican Republic with John Otten, our Word & Deed Canada Projects Director; Paul Laman, Word & Deed USA board member (and my uncle); and Paul’s daughters, Hadassah and Shifrah.
As we descended into the Santo Domingo Airport on Monday evening, three things stood out to me from above. First, the lush green landscape in contrast to the land of ice and snow we left behind in Canada. Second, the numerous baseball diamonds—a clear sign of the Dominican people’s love for the sport. Third, the many small shanty homes sheltering precious people made in God’s image.
What has lingered in my mind most is the heart of those I met on this trip and their dedication to serving those around them. It was a joy to interact with them, and I would love to introduce you to a few of them in this article.
Upon our arrival on Monday evening, Jean-Pierre greeted us warmly. This dear brother works with the Esperance Microloan Program, serving the people of Haiti. A few minutes later, we met Pastor Francisco Guzman, who was waiting in his car. He is the pastor of a local Reformed Baptist church and a man of deep faith.
On Tuesday, we met with these dear brothers and were encouraged that despite significant unrest in Haiti, Esperance continues to be very successful in providing microloans to many precious business owners and in sharing the Gospel in biweekly meetings. Throughout this day, I found myself eager
The Dominican Republic is a country that thrives on tourism. However, much of the country is filled with poverty. Their flag flies an image of the Holy Bible, but sadly this symbolism is not representative of what the country stands for anymore. The Luke Society Hospital was established with the intent of serving the poorest people in the D.R. It focuses on the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the people.
to hear from Pastor Guzman, who models godliness and wisdom.
Next, we met Samuel and Dr. Silvia Martinez from Sociedad Lucas. Word & Deed partners with them in operating a Christian hospital in Hato Nuevo, one of the poorest areas of Santo Domingo. Over the next few days we had the privilege of meeting the hospital staff and were inspired by their joyful service and unwavering belief that true hope is found only in Jesus Christ.
One afternoon we accompanied Teresa, the social worker and nurse, to visit the home of a young patient. As we walked the short distance from the hospital along rough roads, passing small, run-down houses, the residents greeted Teresa warmly at every turn—it was clear that she is deeply loved in this community. When we reached the home of the young patient, who lives with significant physical challenges, we were struck by the joy and faith her family displayed, despite the hard and broken circumstances in their lives. A clue to the source of their peace is Psalm 139:14a, painted on the bedroom wall in Spanish: “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
We returned encouraged, knowing that God is using the faithful service of His people in this place and that He continues to build His church throughout the world! Praise His name. W&D Scott Koopman is Word & Deed’s Director of Administration and Project Manager for the Dominican Republic. He also works in the Public Relations department.
BY WILLIAM AGANY
South Sudan is located in Central Africa and is a country that has suffered severely over the years due to ethnic violence and civil war. The country’s economy is largely dependent on oil and agriculture and so seasons of drought are detrimental to the people’s well-being. South Sudan is also known to be one of the most illiterate, poor, and undeveloped countries in the entire world, with little access to proper medical care.
Street Children Ministry is a registered Christian organization dedicated to providing care and support to vulnerable children in South Sudan. South Sudan, the world’s newest country, gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Since then, the country has been plagued by internal conflicts that have led to widespread food insecurity and refugee crises.
Over the past three years, in collaboration with Word & Deed, Street Children Ministry has been striving to impact the lives of vulnerable children in South Sudan. Word & Deed has provided support for the following projects:
1. Vocational Skills Programs: These programs teach youths a skill (tailoring or carpentry) with which they can generate an income.
2. Redeemed Children’s School: This school provides a nurturing environment for vulnerable children.
3. Outreach/Wound Care Program (ORM/P): This program focuses on Gospel outreach initiatives and wound care services for youths.
4. The Redeemed Children’s Home boys’ dormitories.
Our projects are designed to provide holistic support to vulnerable individuals, addressing their immediate needs, their spiritual needs, and empowering them with essential skills for a fulfilling future. By specifically targeting street children, orphans, school dropouts, and individuals with disabilities, we strive to make an impact on the lives of
those who are most in need. By the strength that God provides, we endeavor to share the message of Jesus, enhance overall health, and create lasting transformations in the lives of those we serve.
In addition to our core programs, our organization provides counseling and mental health support to assist individuals in overcoming trauma. Here is a testimony from one of the children who, by God’s grace and through the help of Street Children Ministry, overcame trauma in his life:
“My name is John, a Grade 4 student and vocational skill training alumnus (carpenter). At the age of 9, my parents’ lack of parental care led me to become homeless and start collecting scrap metal to earn money and buy food. My mother and younger brother lived with my father, who was intoxicated all the time. The beatings I endured, the lack of parental care, and my repeated failures at school turned me into a bitter child. When I was 13 years old, Uncle William reached out to me and shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me. I became interested in leaving the life of homelessness. I was among the children who found acceptance at the Redeemed Children’s Home. I am very thankful that I encountered Jesus in my life as my Lord and Savior. My physical life has changed; I joined school, attended the carpentry training, and now am able to make money from my woodworking business.” W&D
William Agany is the director of Street Children Ministry in South Sudan.
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BY RICK POSTMA Education
The Church of Christ is growing in many parts of the world. Along with the rapid growth, however, comes a concern that too often there is numerical growth without a leadership possessing accurate theological knowledge. In short, church pastors and leaders are often not equipped to carry out Paul’s injunction to Titus that a church leader should be characterized as “holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
Over the years, assisting our partners in the area of theological education has been a growing part of our work. In 2024, theological education represented 9% of our overall budget and 18% of our overall budget was for the construction of related infrastructure (donations to theological education are not used for construction of infrastructure unless designated as such). Perhaps you wonder how Word & Deed, not being a church, can be involved to this extent in theological education. This is a fair question. The answer is that we take steps to ensure that there is church involvement in the theological training of future leaders and pastors. For example, in partnership with the Evangelical Reformed Churches (ERC) of India
we support a seminary in northern India and are currently working with the ERC on constructing a new seminary in central India close to an area where there are many unreached people groups (groups having cultural and linguistic uniqueness among whom 2% or less have heard the Gospel). As well, the theological education programs we are supporting reflect two of our three areas of emphasis, a Gospel focus and indigenous leadership.
While in some cases the level of theological training is comparable to a Bachelor of Theology in North America, quite frequently it is closer to a diploma level, corresponding to a high school in the West. The reality is that many leaders in these areas have attained education levels that are comparable to western elementary schools or the first few years of high school. But providing even this level of training is a big step forward.
Here are some examples:
Mukhanyo Theological College (South Africa) : Mukhanyo embraces a decentralized approach to theological education through satellite campuses and local learning groups. Local learning groups usually consist of 10–20 people studying together under the guidance of a tutor toward accredited certificates.
Logos Ministries (Malawi): Logos emphasizes equipping church leaders through unaccredited programs such as Bible Doctrine and Church Leadership. These groups may consist of members from a single church or they may be interdenominational, but they are offered in the local language and contextualized for the local church.
Pastoral Training (Guatemala): A distance learning approach, similar to Mukhanyo, has been taken in Guatemala. Recorded videos are watched as groups with a group leader facilitating discussions.
Theological Training Program (Nicaragua): Palabra y Hecho utilizes the MINTS training program, originally written in Spanish, as the foundation for their pastoral training. They have adapted the curriculum into the Miskito language at an upper-middle-school reading level, ensuring accessibility for local pastors. This program equips Moravian, Pentecostal, and Baptist pastors with a strong foundation in biblical doctrine, thereby strengthening their local congregations.
Leadership Training (Ecuador): The work of CRETE (Reformed Center for Theological Studies) is a MINTS center whose teaching is targeted toward the training of pastors, church leaders, and teachers in multiple places in
Ecuador. The goal is to prepare pastors and to increase the theological education of leaders and teachers. Classes are also taught in prisons.
Reformed Theological Seminary (Kenya): Under the oversight of a group of churches in southwest Kenya, the Reformed Theological Seminary provides training for pastors with a wide range of theological knowledge. Lay pastors, church leaders, and teachers mostly use the Mukhanyo Focus program and others. In addition to theological training, this program equips students to withstand the rise of the “health and wealth gospel” as well as many other challenges unique to the African context.
With God’s blessing, we have heard about the impact of these programs with many new churches being planted and many existing churches being provided with pastors and leaders. May the Lord continue to bless these efforts to His glory and the extension, edification, and pastoral care of His Church. W&D
Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries and the Project Manager for projects in Guatemala and India.
For $6 USD (five children for $30) / $8 CAD per month (five children for $40), you can cover the monthly cost of a child who is a 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
• Family support
As a supporter of the Malawi Orphan Care Program, you will receive an annual update on the status of the program. Email Laurenne at office@wordanddeed.org or visit wordanddeed.org/child-sponsorship to support this program today! W&D
• Adoration Christian School in Haiti continues to operate despite continued violence in Port-au-Prince. Continue to pray for safety and endurance for the people of Haiti.
• The military takeover in Myanmar is also ongoing. Word & Deed partners with an organization there who provides shelter and a Christian education to children. Please pray for stability in this country that has been in a state of civil war for a number of years now.
• We are thankful to have had the opportunity to provide the hope of the Gospel along with food packages to more than 200 families who were victims of a volcanic eruption in the Philippines in December. Please pray that the Gospel message will have taken root in the hearts of the recipients.
• The Sudanese Reformed Church has partnered with Word & Deed to rehabilitate families from refugee camps back to their home villages. Please pray for a blessing on these efforts.
• Thank the Lord that Word & Deed has had the opportunity to provide funds for the purchase of a radio transmitter and the construction of an antenna tower in Honduras. This radio equipment will allow our partner, Esperance, to double their current reach in Honduras, bringing the Gospel message to thousands of people.