W&d spring2014 web

> INSIDE

Philippines

Response to Typhoon Haiyan

Colombia

Graduation Celebrations

Haiti

Building a New Generation for Christ

INDIA

Celebrating COUNT’s 35th Anniversary

>foreword

By Rick Postma

Persuasion I am constantly amazed by the multi-talented people I see around me. My own very short inventory of talents is perhaps headlined by a gift for reading. I love to read. My Kindle eReader, graciously bestowed on me by my loving children—“What do you want for Christmas, Dad?” they ask, to which I usually reply, “books!”—has become a great enabler in this passion of mine. In addition to be being able to buy eBooks, my Kindle provides the opportunity to sample books (the first 20 pages or so) for free. Needless to say, my Kindle is awash in samples.

In one such sample of an eBook, “Influence—the Psychology of Persuasion,” Robert B. Cialdini informs us that scientists have determined that certain key behavioral patterns in the animal world trigger critical reactions. The “cheep cheep” of the turkey chick causes the mother to look after her chick. A stuffed enemy (the polecat) mocked up to make “cheep cheep” sounds results, astonishingly enough, in the mother turkey treating the polecat like one of her chicks. Male

robins will attack other male robins because of red breast feathers on their chests. A stuffed male robin or a pile of feathers with the red breast feathers in sight, spells attack for the enraged robin. Cover the red feathers in either case though, and peace breaks out.

Cialdini’s purpose in writing is to demonstrate how people too can be persuaded or manipulated. In an increasingly secular world in which we find ourselves bombarded each day with a “cheep cheep” appeal to our sinful natures, how well are we equipped to recognize and avoid Satan’s traps (Ephesians 6)?

Pastor Delfils provides one answer to this question as he highlights how Adoration Christian Centre students are immersed in a Bible-based curriculum. John Otten celebrates the graduation of students at two schools in Colombia who have also been taught to think biblically.

In his meditation, Pastor Neil Stewart wonders if we have been persuaded and manipulated into placing our trust in earthly riches rather than heavenly treasures which reap eternal dividends. Finally, we join COUNT India in celebrating 35 years of challenging labor for the Lord and also congratulate our project director Bernie Pennings on receiving an honorary doctorate for his work there. W&D Rick Postma is Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

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WORD&DEED

meditation

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

By Pastor Neil Stewart

SPRING 2014 Editor Rick Postma Assistant Editor Brianna Vlaar

Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editor Susan Trentacosti Norlan De Groot In response to Jesus’ command to love others, Word & Deed is an international, evangelical relief and development ministry that provides funding to meet spiritual and physical needs among people in developing countries.

With cooperating offices in St. Thomas, Ontario, and Hudsonville, Michigan, Word & Deed partners with Christian agencies in Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Myanmar, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Nicaragua, Malawi, South Africa, and Nigeria.

Canada Office PO Box 20100 St. Thomas, ON N5P 4H4 Ph 519.633.2333 Fax 519.633.7181 Toll free 877.375.9673 office@wordanddeed.org Administration Director John Otten Project Director Bernie Pennings Public Relations Director Rick Postma Support Staff John Kottelenberg Hanna Korvemaker Kara Luiting Heather VanMeppelen-Scheppink Brianna Vlaar Board of Directors President - John Vangameren Vice President - Corney Les Secretary - Pastor Bergsma Treasurer - Henry de Waal Rev. Tim Bergsma Rev. C. Heiberg Jake Sinke Lyle Ypma Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke – International Educational Consultant

Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of

Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary Dr. Arjan J. deVisser – Professor of Ecclesiology and Diaconology, Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary Rev. Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church

Dr. Nelson D. Kloosterman –

Executive Director and Ethics Consultant for Worldview Resources International.

Rev. Frank Van Dalen – Executive Director of the Foreign Missions Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church

United States Office PO Box 157, Hudsonville, MI 49426 Ph 616.896.3160 Toll free 866.391.5728 Fax 616.896.9219 usoffice@wordanddeed.org

Office Administrator Heidi Pronk Public Relations & Projects Norlan De Groot Ph 712.441.7112 uspromotions@wordanddeed.org Board of Directors President - Pete Vander Stel Vice President - Paul Laman Secretary - Harry Kooistra Treasurer - Karen Vander Sloot Eric Brandt Dave Byker Mary Cogbill Anita Sikkema Peter Van Kempen

Where

is

<

Your Treasure?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19–21 These remarkable words of our Lord Jesus Christ call us to have a radically different perspective on life than those who think life consists in the abundance of possessions and are enthralled to earthly treasures. Jesus warns His followers not to be so. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matt. 6:24). These earthly treasures ensnare the hearts of those who chase after them. Such a person is not free to serve God. Jesus highlights the folly of storing up earthly treasures by pointing us to their temporary nature.

In first-century Palestine, a good investment would be the purchasing of silk.

Silk was expensive, lightweight, and extremely portable, and it generally held its value. The only danger to such an investment was the moth. The moth could, literally, eat away your investment. How many have placed their trust in investments and pension funds only to find that they are worth less than we imagined!

polished surface could be eaten by rust and the investment would be destroyed. The corrupting rust of our day is time itself. Time brings with it physical and material degeneration.

Houses in Jesus’ day would have been constructed of mud bricks that were baked and used to build the walls. Families would hide their treasures in a back room. But an enterprising thief could easily dig through the wall and steal the prized treasures. How often are our earthly treasures swept away in storms? How often are our treasure plans “rudely” interrupted by forces outside of ourselves?

Those who live for earthly treasure invest in a depreciating stock. Jesus calls His followers to invest in heavenly treasure that alone is lasting and sure. Heavenly treasure frees us to live for the Lord. Where is our treasure? Is it earthly treasure or heavenly treasure?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:21) W&D Pastor Neil Stewart is the minister at Grace Covenant OPC Church in Sheffield, Ontario.

Another investment would be in polished metal. Not only was it valuable in itself, it often served as a mirror. Unless care was taken, that SPRING 2014 I Word&Deed

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>PHiLiPPiNES

BY Brianna Vlaar

Word

& Deed’s

Response

Destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan.

On Friday, November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines causing over five thousand deaths and impacting the lives of millions.

Word & Deed has partnered with Reformed Congregationalist churches in the Philippines which have organized committees with local elders, deacons and volunteers. They have been assessing the areas where they live and providing support where possible.

Some of the items distributed include: • • • • • • • • •

Clothes Food, water, and medicine Bibles Copies of the Three Forms of Unity Tents Generators Communication tools Rubber boats Body bags

Some people were in tears when the relief supplies were distributed. The church writes, “The people here give their heartfelt appreciation. God bless you and Word & Deed Ministries!”

From January 16–23 our project director Bernie Pennings visited the Philippines to assess the work taking place and to make plans for the future. He has reported that the main concern now is providing temporary housing, as many people remain in refugee centers. Some areas still do not have electricity and do not expect it until May 2014.

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to Typhoon

Haiyan

Relief supplies being distributed by our partners.

Following the lead of other countries that have experienced natural disasters, the Philippine government is enacting new laws to better deal with natural disasters in the future. People need to wait for zoning laws, both federal and locally, before they are able to rebuild permanent structures. This is particularly true for any buildings near waterways.

The church members have recognized the spiritual need of those around them. When they realized that many of the churches’ materials, including Bibles, had been washed into the sea, they purchased new Bibles to distribute. They have also been active in finding places for the churches to meet.

Although we have provided initial funding for relief supplies, the Filipino people have also dug into their own pockets. They have collected $9,500 on their own.

We humbly ask that you continue to remember the physical and spiritual needs of those affected in your prayers. We are grateful for the many supporters who have donated over $475,000 toward this relief work. Our church partner writes, “We are thankful and grateful to the Lord for [you] . . . all to the honor and glory of God!” Praise God for this testament of faith! W&D Brianna Vlaar is Public Relations Support for Word & Deed Ministries.

sponsorship

Make a World of Difference by Sponsoring a Child in INDIA

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Charan: Charan is six years old and

has started kindergarten. He is active and interested in school. He lives with his parents and his brother and sister.

His father works as an agricultural laborer but has an insufficient income to pay for his children to go to school.

Priyanka: Priyanka is seven years

old. She is in the second grade at Shekinah Agape Home. Her parents are daily wage laborers. They own a small plot of land on which they cultivate seasonal crops but are dependent on monsoons, which are very unpredictable. Priyanka has one brother.

Kamuni:

Kamuni is eleven years old and enrolled in second grade. His father passed away due to health issues resulting from heavy drinking, so his mother works as a laborer in order to support the family. He lives with his mother and sister.

Akash:

Akash is nine years old. He is interested and active in his second grade class. His father abandoned his mother and children, so his mother works doing odd jobs to try and make ends meet. Her meager earnings arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough to send her children to school.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t underestimate the impact that a picture and a short letter can have on your sponsor child!

Many sponsor children come from broken and dysfunctional homes, and do not receive the attention or affection that children thrive on. A short note from you is one more example of healthy, Christian love in their lives.

Please write, today! (Contact Kara at office@wordanddeed.org if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure how to get started.)

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>COLOMBiA

By John Otten

Graduation Celebrations

John Otten and his wife Connie with some of the grade 11 graduates and CDA Education Director Guillermo Ramirez.

As in other Latin American countries, the school year in Colombia ends in November. My wife and I went to Colombia in November to attend graduations of the John Calvin School and the Cartagena School. The John Calvin School is fully sponsored by Word & Deed North America, and the Cartagena School is sponsored mostly by Word & Deed Holland. Since this was the first grade 11 graduation, marking the end of secondary school, at John Calvin School, we felt it important to be present to encourage these students as they leave Corporación Dios es Amor (CDA) and Word & Deed sponsorship.

During this visit we also visited with Carlos, the CDA chaplain, to learn more of their schools’ Bible programs and spiritual focus.

The grade 11 students from both the John Calvin School in Barranquilla and the Cartagena School graduated together in a formal graduation. The Convention Center in Cartagena gave CDA two hours to use the facilities for their graduation—something very special! The graduating students from the John Calvin School selected their Christian life teacher to address them and she gave a good speech, encouraging the students in their walk with God. The teacher the students from Cartagena chose was more humanistic in his speech, telling the graduates to believe in themselves and

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to try fulfilling their dreams at all costs. Though it is true that expectations are low for the young people of these poor communities and they need encouragement, their strength and hope should come from God. I was privileged to address the students on behalf of Word & Deed and encourage them from Psalm 37:4–5, to delight in the Lord and trust in Him to guide them in their future.

At John Calvin School, we attended various class graduations: one for children leaving kindergarten and another for children graduating from grades five and seven. There are some very enthusiastic teachers in the school, which was reflected in the class presentations and the choir’s selection of meaningful songs.

Each student who graduates receives a merit award for some positive quality or achievement, such as an award for kindness, helpfulness, sports, academics, leadership, or cooperation.

Many children do not receive much encouragement or recognition at home so this is important for them. John Calvin School’s strong spiritual focus and dependence on God was reflected in the message of the director, the teachers’ messages to the students, and the valedictorians’ addresses. The school director, who is a pastor, has a strong positive influence on the school.

CDA sets up a Bible curriculum for all the schools and and posts them on the website so that all the schools prepares detailed lesson plans for each day. This ensures and teachers can access them. The material is wellthat all the content taught in the schools is Biblical and planned, organized, and detailed for the teachers’ use. consistent. This year’s theme was “The Promises of God.” Materials used to put this curriculum together include the Heidelberg Catechism, Sunday school Each student has two hours per week material produced by the Jonkmans of Christian life education, one hour (Ecuador), MINTS (Miami International of class and 15 minutes of devotions Seminary) course material, and other daily. Grades one and two study the Christian education sources. With Old Testament, grades three and four CDA we continually look to provide study the New Testament, and grade good material. five does Project Philip from the Bible League, where they read the Bible and answer questions. At the end Overall this was an encouraging trip of grade five the students receive a for us, as we were able to reflect Bible. Grade six studies doctrine using on how the Lord has blessed these the Heidelberg Catechism. They teach schools through the celebration of the students to think, believe, feel, and two graduating classes. We pray that grow together. They teach evolution the Lord may continue to bless and A kindergarten graduate with CDA Education and other world religions, comparing guide these graduates as they enter Director Guillermo Ramirez. them to the Bible’s teachings. Grade the next phase of their lives and the 11 does the adult Project Philip (from the Bible League) schools as they continue to teach the next generation and they receive a study Bible when they graduate. about Jesus Christ. W&D Devotions have a special focus each day including God’s promises, a study of Proverbs, questions from the John Otten is the Director of Administration as well as Heidelberg Catechism with proof text, and Psalms. Pastor Project Manager for Colombia, Nicaragua and Ecuador at Carlos puts daily devotions together in a curriculum guide Word & Deed Ministries.

Colombia

John Calvin and Cartagena Schools

In the midst of much natural beauty but also poverty we partner with CDA to provide education and the hope of the gospel for needy children in Colombia.

John Calvin School, fully funded by Word & Deed North America, is located in an Internally Displaced People (IDP) zone of Barranquilla, Colombia. Cartagena School is mostly sponsored by Word & Deed Holland. These schools are part of CDA’s transformational approach to changing the cycle of poverty and violence into one of opportunity and blessing.

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>HAiTi

By Pastor Octavius Delfils

Building

a

New Generation

I am a product of mission schools. By Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s providence, I completed my primary education and about 80 percent of my secondary education in mission schools. By this type of school I mean not just a Christian school, but a Christian school that is dedicated to help the poorest of the poor, those who would never be able to complete their education without the help of an institution that is dedicated to serve them. Having been a student of mission schools for many years and having benefited much from these schools spiritually, morally, and intellectually, I have a special love for Christian schools and I have seen many examples of lives changing and community building through the ministries of Christian education. I have come to realize that education properly done in a solid Christian environment is a very good tool in the advancement of the Kingdom of God. I have seen how God used Christian education, particularly the mission school, as a channel to raise men for His church and to build a new generation for His glory.

I have learned to love this model of schools for its usefulness to the church and the community that it serves.

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for

Christ

Through Adoration Christian Centre I have found a model Christian school that exceeds most others. There are some aspects that make this project unique and durable.

Adoration Christian Centre is a mission school according to my definition. It keeps its focus mainly on the poorest of the poor. The students come from families and areas where providing education for their children is a very big load for parents. By taking in charge the education of two students per family, Adoration Christian Centre takes a big burden off the parents. They still have a burden to bear, since most of the time families are very large; however, it is a relief for a family to be sure that at least two of their children are getting a solid education.

Adoration Christian Centre is also a true Christian school.

The particular accent on Christian values, Christian worldview, and Christian goals and mission of the school, and the effort to get and apply a Christ-centered curriculum make it a true Christian school. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the same for all the Christian schools around us. Most of the time, the identification of a Christian school is tied to the

A classroom at Adoration Christian School.

name of the school or because they pray before and after class, or because the students memorize some verses or learn some Bible stories. It is a different story when a school is pushing hard so that the whole curriculum is Christian-centered.

This is a battle well-worth fighting.

Adoration Christian Centre is also a good school. Mission schools in Haiti are useful but also they have their limitations. They cannot be categorized among the best schools because they lack resources. They cannot hire the best teachers nor have the best buildings, books, etc. Adoration Christian Centre has taken the steps toward becoming a very good school—a good program and good supervision are the keys to that success.

The strength of the program is also the inclusion of the community. To be durable, a project of this type needs to involve the community. There needs to be an inclusion of the students and of the parents. Here there is a learning process of independence and the love of work, the sense of being useful to the community. The participation of parents and members of the community is part of a training process. They are learning that this is their project; this is their school; and they need to be involved in its decisions and in its life.

I see in all of this a plan to improve the living standards of vulnerable people and train them and restore them to serve the Lord and their community. The greatness of the project is also the fact that it works alongside the church so that they can go together as two separate institutions to bring the gospel to desperate hearts and build a new generation for Christ.

That’s what Haiti needs: a new generation of Christian leaders who are able and willing to work together, live together, and build their lives together. A new generation that knows the Word of God, and the Christian values

Adoration Christian Centre feeds 380 people every day. that they have to follow. This work of building this new generation is being done day by day, one step at a time, at Adoration Christian Centre. W&D Pastor Octavius Delfils is the Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Delmas. In addition to being the chairman of Adoration’s local Haitian board, he teaches high school Bible classes and leads a weekly Bible study with all secondary students.

HAITI

Adoration Christian Centre

Adoration Director Randy Lodder meets with staff and parents.

Adoration Christian Centre is a holistic, Christian, social mission serving and discipling Haitians in Port-au-Prince through their school, partnerships with the local church, and a medical clinic. They train teachers and educate students through the glasses of the gospel and they partner with and support the local church, discipling future leaders who will one day stand on their own and take up the same task. Please pray that God would bless the work of Adoration and that through the presentation of the Gospel lives would be transformed.

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>INDiA

By Dexter Gollapalli

Celebrating COUNT’s

35th Year Anniversary

There were 3,500 people in attendance at the five day COUNT anniversary celebrations.

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Bernie Pennings wife Ina teaching a Bible story to some COUNT children.

Bernie Pennings, second from the right, preparing to receive his honorary Doctor of Divinity.

The ongoing association between Word & Deed Ministries and COUNT (Christian Outreach Uplifting New Tribes) began in 2007 in the most unexpected manner. At the time Children Hope Society (CHS) in Canada could no longer support its children in the sponsorship program at COUNT. They left in peace and graciously introduced us to Word & Deed Ministries. Not only then, but several times as a reliable friend, Word & Deed extended its help to COUNT by taking up support for children from the states of Orissa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra in India.

Thus, step by step, we journeyed together into a steadfast relationship of trust and understanding through the years.

We combined the good deeds of bringing up children from impoverished families, with the Word of God, as we provided new believers in remote tribal regions with Bibles.

The unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus anchored our bond as together we strived to serve the poor and needy children in India and reach them with the saving grace of the Gospel.

In these last few years Bro. Bernie Pennings, the Project Director of Word & Deed, visited us on several occasions.

His contributions to COUNT varied from monitoring the

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program at the functional level to also strengthening our faith by ministering to the church through the Word of God. A profound and passionate teacher of the Scriptures, he brought new insights from the Word that motivated and inspired our leaders, pastors, and believers to serve our Lord wholeheartedly. Indeed, through word and deed, Word & Deed Ministries stood with us.

October 2013 saw the 35 year anniversary of COUNT’s involvement with the tribal ministry for children and reaching the tribal people with the Gospel of our Lord.

It would have been unfair of COUNT if it did not bestow honor on the great stalwarts of faith who in some way or other stood with us during our 35-year-long journey.

The idea of honoring these great leaders was conceived by the founder of COUNT—Bishop John Gollapalli, my father. A visionary and missionary, a gentle man with a humble and grateful heart, he wanted to honor and recognize the services of these great men and women of God who selflessly contributed for the ministry of COUNT by conferring a doctoral degree. He shared this idea with Bishop Narender John, the Secretary for Asia Theological Association (ATA) which has a membership

Bernie Pennings praying at the COUNT celebrations.

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Founder of COUNT Bishop John Gollapalli, third from the right, and other dignitaries prepare to present the honorary degrees.

of 212 institutions in 27 nations. He also shared it with Dr. Siga Arles, an academician, learned professor and mentor in Indian Missions circles, the former chairman of our board, and the founder and director of the Center for Contemporary Christianity in Bangalore, India. He was more than happy to take this a step further by offering to confer the degree. He has been a friend and has witnessed COUNT and its partners serve the tribal people of India. He supported my father’s strong conviction of bestowing honor on the servants of God because of their faithful contributions toward the ministry of COUNT—be it through projects and programs, church constructions in tribal areas, distribution of Bibles, preaching and teaching, prayer partners, donors, and friends.

Bro. Bernie Pennings from Word & Deed in every possible way was a well-deserving and worthy recipient for the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity for his commitment and selfless service for the tribals in India. He is a simple man, humble and compassionate, who takes every opportunity to teach the Word of God and lead people into the Kingdom of God. His teaching on the Biblical Foundations of Leadership has been very fruitful and

has greatly benefited toward the spiritual leadership and growth of our pastors, evangelists, and the youth of our ministry. We appreciate his efforts through Word & Deed North America to support the child care ministry of COUNT, which gives children hope for a better future, by nurturing us with the spiritual food from God’s Word, and for his outstanding contributions to missions across the world, especially COUNT and Agape Ministries. W&D Dexter Gollapalli is the Executive Director at COUNT’s Agape Centre in India.

india

Congratulations Bernie!

On October 13, 2013, Bernie Pennings, Word & Deed Project Director, was presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Center for Contemporary Christianity in India in recognition of his leadership in Christian ministry around the world and especially in India. We are thankful with Bernie for this great honor and we thank the Lord for this wonderful indication that the ministry of Word & Deed is highly valued in India. Congratulations, Bernie!

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Education Rev. Daniel Hyde

The Priesthood as Model of Word and

Deed Ministry

I want to make a statement that I hope is interesting to you: the Old Covenant priesthood is a model of word and deed ministry for the New Covenant church.

I say this defensively because there has been for some time a movement afoot in Reformed and Presbyterian circles to limit the work of the church to what are called “spiritual” tasks: word, sacraments, and discipline. Those who advocate this forget what the New Testament says about the church’s deacons getting their hands “dirty” in serving the tables of widows (Acts 6). Those who advocate this also fail to make vital distinctions such as the church being an organization as well as an organism; that is, there are things the church does when it comes together but there are also things the church does in its members as they are extended throughout their communities and world.

But I am not writing this article to merely be defensive. Positively, I want to promote the extension of Christ’s kingdom through means of words alongside of deeds by giving one biblical model from which to do this: the Old Testament priesthood. The Old Testament is equally inspired as the New Testament (2 Tim. 3:16) and because it is, it is profitable for doctrine and godly living (2 Tim. 3:17).

We often think of the priest’s job as being sacrifice. And that is true. For example, they were to offer a sacrifice every morning and evening (Ex. 29:38–39) besides all the sacrifices of individual worshippers. Besides sacrifice, their ministry included supplication, sermons, and service. They made supplication—prayed—for Israel, as symbolized in the morning and evening offering of incense (Ex. 30:7– 8). They gave sermons and taught Israel (Lev. 10:11; Deut. 33:10; Mal. 2:6–7). In fact, it was because the priests did not teach the law as required that the Lord raised up prophets in their place (Hos. 4:4–6; Mal. 2:8–9). And they engaged in service as they received the offerings of the people and took care of the sick (Lev. 13–15) and poor (Num. 18:25–32; Deut. 14:28– 29; 26:12).

How is this a model for today in word and deed ministry? All of this priestly work comes into reality

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Business Group

Meetings please stay tuned for confirmed dates and locations Bulkley Valley/Smithers, BC - March 3 Illiana (Illinois/Indiana) - March 17 Burlington, ON - March 26 in our Lord Jesus Christ, our anointed prophet, priest, and king (HC, Q&A 31). In Him, the ministry of sacrifice is complete. Yet, through Him, the ministry of supplication, sermons, and service continue in and through His church. In the New Covenant these functions are offered in official and public ways as pastors pray and preach and as deacons serve the needy (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Tim. 5:3–16).

As well, through Jesus Christ, all believers are anointed with the same Holy Spirit who anointed Jesus, making us prophets, kings, and priests (HC, Q&A 32). As a priesthood (1 Peter 2:5), we are confidently to be engaged in words and deeds.

We are confidently to speak words to God in prayer for the lost and needy. We are confidently to speak words of comfort and hope to our neighbors as we all apply the sermons we’ve heard (1 Peter 3:15). We are confidently to serve the needy and poor, orphans and widows (Jas. 1:27). In doing so, our confident words and deeds glorify and tangibly express the love of Jesus Christ for our world that has fallen so helplessly into sin (John 3:16). W&D Rev. Daniel R. Hyde (Th.M., Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is pastor of the Oceanside United Reformed Church and an Advisory Committee member of Word & Deed Ministries.

Southern Alberta - April 28 Calgary, AB - April 29 Edmonton, AB - April 30 Central Alberta - may 1 Cambridge, ON - TBA (Launch!)

Joyce postmus

DAY by DAY At the start of this new year we remember the Lord’s providence for us each and every day. This album, “Day

by Day,” highlights the Lord’s care for us all through 16 classical hymns and arrangements including “It Is Well with My Soul,” “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”. Featured artists are Joyce Postmus on the piano and Carolyn Stronks-Zeyl on the flute.

CDs are $20.00 (CAD and USD) including shipping and handling; a portion of the proceeds for each CD sold will be donated to Word & Deed Ministries.

Please contact Joyce Postmus to order your CD: jpostmus29@gmail.com or at 519.448.4161.

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>GETTING INVOLVED Upcoming Events

Annual Word & Deed

“Lake to Lake” Bike-a-thon

IN SUPPORT OF THE NAKEKELA HIV/AIDS CLINIC IN SOUTH AFRICa

Sat. June 7, 2014 Niagara Parkway 9AM - 11 AM: Registration at Mather Arch Park in Fort Erie 10 AM: Send-off at Mather Arch Park in Fort Erie 10 AM - 11:30 AM: Registration at King’s Bridge Park in Chippawa (Niagara Falls) · · · · ·

52 KM “challenge” ride from Fort Erie to McFarland Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake 22 KM “fun” ride from Niagara Falls to McFarland Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake Free BBQ lunch for all participants Gift certificate prizes for the top ten fundraisers $50 per person or $100 per family minimum sponsorship required (larger donations graciously accepted)

Register or sponsor a friend by visiting www.wordanddeed.org (find Niagara Bike-a-thon under “Events”)

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W&D Canada & USA Board

Prayer Requests Philippines Relief Efforts • Please pray for the spiritual and physical needs of all those affected by Typhoon Haiyan.

• Please pray for the Lord’s guidance as Word & Deed builds partnerships in the Philippines and makes plans for the future.

Corporación Dios es Amor (CDA) in Colombia • Praise God for the first grade 11 graduation celebrations at John Calvin School and Cartagena School.

• Please pray that the Lord may guide these graduates as they enter the next phase of their lives and the schools as they continue to teach the next generation about Jesus Christ.

Welcome, Anita!

We wish to extend a heartfelt welcome to Anita Sikkema who has joined Word & Deed’s USA Board. We are thankful for Anita’s willingness to serve Word & Deed and pray that the Lord may guide her in this task. Anita and her husband David have been blessed with five children and twenty grandchildren. She lives in Idaho where she works as a receptionist for US Ecology, Inc. in Boise. She and her husband attend the United Reformed Church of Nampa.

Adoration Christian Centre in Haiti • Praise God that Adoration is able to work alongside the local church to together bring the gospel to desperate hearts.

• Please pray that Adoration would be able, through Christ, to build a new generation for His glory.

Christian Outreach Uplifting New Tribes (COUNT) in India • Praise God for COUNT’s 35-year anniversary and the blessings This section has been He has bestowed on the work taking place in India. purposely left blank.

• Please pray that the Lord may continue to use and guide His people at COUNT and Word & Deed to serve the needy in India.

Word & Deed North America • Praise God for his continual provision of volunteers, board members, and staff members who wholeheartedly support the work of spreading the gospel.

• Please pray for safety, humility, and guidance as staff, board members, business group members and mission team participants’ travel to our various projects around the world.

Welcome, Paul!

A warm welcome to Paul Laman who has joined Word & Deed’s USA Board. We are thankful for the Lord’s providence in graciously providing us with leadership for this organization. Paul and his wife Carol have three children: Hadassah, Josiah, and Shifrah. They live in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, where Paul works as an engineer.

Together they worship at the Free Reformed Church in Pompton Plains.

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NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID HUDSONVILLE, MI PERMIT #204

Where Is Your Treasure?

1. What kinds of treasures did the people in first-century Palestine try to store?

Was this good treasure to store? Why or why not?

2. Make a list of the types of treasure you can store up for yourself in heaven if you love the Lord Jesus Christ.

Graduation Celebrations 1. One of the teachers’ graduation speeches was described as humanistic. What does this mean?

Should we be humanistic?

2. The students at John Calvin School in Colombia have daily devotions with a different focus each day. Try making a weekly devotional plan for yourself.

Building a New Generation for Christ 1. According to Pastor Delfils, what aspects of Adoration Christian Centre make it unique and durable?

2. Pastor Delfils says that Haiti needs Christian leaders. What kind of qualities do you think Christian leaders should have?

Celebrating COUNT’s 35th Anniversary 1. Find India on a map.

2. How is an honorary degree different from a regular degree?

The Priesthood as Model of Word and Deed Ministry 1. Provide some examples from the Bible of the role of the priests.

2. Pastor Hyde says that, “we are confidently to be engaged in words and deeds.” What does he mean?

How can you use your words and your deeds to glorify God?

Integration: Integrate Bible, history, geography, critical thinking, current events, and reading comprehension (etc.).

Missions: Challenge students to consider short-term mission trips and the use of their time, talents, and money to the glory of God while also having them ponder their relationship with the Lord.

Problem Solving: Develop problem solving skills in response to problems presented in the articles.

Awareness: Dramatically raise students’ awareness of what people in the developing world face on a daily basis. It will shape them for life.

Compassion: Elicit compassion when students come face to face with the very difficult lives of their peers in the developing world.

Thankfulness: Encourage thankfulness for God’s blessings in their lives.

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