W&D Magazine Summer 2016

INSIDE

SUMMER

2016

Ecuador The Sown Seed

Guatemala

The Cubulco Nutrition Program

Nicaragua

Realizing Indigenous Potential

Nigeria

Total Dependence on God

>foreword

By Rick Postma

tHE

Earth

is

Groaning

The earth is groaning. As I write this, an earthquake has just struck Ecuador. Earthquakes and tremors are, or have been, experienced in Japan, New Zealand, and numerous other countries. The Pacific Rim, as a fellow church member who grew up in New Zealand pointed out to me recently, is threatening the next “big one.” Then again, it isn’t always the earthquakes alone that cause the devastation, but the tsunamis they initiate.

Political earthquakes are also underway in many countries. In Canada, the ruling liberal party has just proposed a supposedly muted legalization of doctor-assisted suicide. They know full well that once that door is opened a crack, it is only a matter of time before citizens who have lost their moral moorings shove it wide open.

I recently watched Peter Jones’ presentation at Ligonier National Conference 2015 (they are all online) titled “Paganism in Today’s Culture.” We live in a post-modern culture where everyone does what is right in their own eyes, and woe unto anyone who dares raise any concerns implying the existence of moral absolutes.

But even as we need to understand the culture around us, more importantly, we need to understand what Christ is saying to us about the Church.

One of my old time favorites, Sinclair Ferguson, points out in “Christ’s Message to the Church” at the same conference that Christ praises the church at Ephesus for patience, hard work, and testing those who say they are apostles but are not, but then He also issues a stark challenge, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Rev. 2:4, 5) Are we still hungering to know Christ more and more?

This issue highlights projects in Ecuador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Nigeria. There is much work to do, but let us be mindful of the warning given to the church at Ephesus—a church whose candlestick was ultimately removed. W&D Rick Postma is the Director of Public Relations for Word & Deed Ministries.

But even as we need to understand the culture around us, more importantly, we need to understand what

Christ is saying to us about the Church.

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WORD&DEED

meditation

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

SUMMER 2016 Editor Rick Postma

Assistant Editor Hanna Korvemaker

Graphic Design Knor Graphic Design Solutions Copy Editors Shelly Crites Susan Trentacosti 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 South Sudan.

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

Director of Projects John Otten Director of Promotion Rick Postma Office Administrator Scott Koopman Support Staff Hanna Korvemaker John Kottelenberg Kara Luiting Nancy Sinke Heather VanMeppelen-Scheppink Board of Directors President - Corney Les Vice President - Jake Sinke Secretary - Dave Wielinga Treasurer - Henry de Waal Dr. Arjan de Visser Rev. C. Heiberg Harold Leyenhorst Bert Mulder Dick Naves John Vangameren Lyle Ypma Advisory Committee Mr. Jim Beeke – International Educational Consultant

Dr. Gerald M. Bilkes – Professor of

Old & New Testament, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

Rev. Danny Hyde – Pastor, Oceanside United Reformed Church

Rev. Mark Vander Hart –

Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies and Ministerial Apprenticeship Program Director, Mid-America Reformed Seminary Rev. Frank Van Dalen – Former 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 Board of Directors President - Pete Vander Stel Vice President - Paul Laman Secretary - Harry Kooistra Treasurer - Karen Vander Sloot Eric Brandt Dave Byker Anita Sikkema Peter Van Kempen Registered Charity Number (Canada) 89 120 0941 RR0001 EIN Non-profit Number (USA) 37-1429283

<

By Pastor Norman Van Eeden Petersman

tHE

Lord

of

Hosts

is with

Us

How can we be hopeful and confident as Christians in times like these? I hear questions like this with some frequency and recognize in them the same spirit of concern and fear of the unknown that is addressed in the stirring words of Psalm 46. The psalmist, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, prepared a song for all who need to be reminded of God’s hand of protection over us.

The psalm opens with a wondrous declaration: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” And we might ask, how is the Christian church to believe this when it is under attack and in distress in many parts of the world? This might be through overt violence and hostile actions, or, as is evident closer to home, through the decline of religious tolerance in Western societies. Yet the psalm makes plain that this is precisely when we are to see the delight of having such a refuge and present help!

GOD refuge

is our

We know and believe what God declares: “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” This is no empty boast. It is a sovereign declaration of strength and power! This truth strengthens and lifts every Christian who calls out in times of trouble, distress, and persecution.

Do we see that in Christ we need not fear even though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea?

Terrorists and persecutors of the church can’t do that—they don’t have the power to do what our God can! They can try to strike terror into the hearts of believers and force them to renounce their faith, but there is always going to be a strong remnant who resists the tyranny of the devil and stands firm in trust in God. There is always a remnant being preserved by the hand of God.

and

strength psalm 46

a very

present help in trouble

This is why Psalm 46 is often described as the psalm of the persecuted church—the psalm of those who have submitted to the cross, the fires, the noose, and every other tool of those bent on destroying the church. The believer declares: “We will not fear though the earth gives way!” Why? Because “the LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” W&D Pastor Van Eeden Petersman serves the Adoration United Reformed Church of Vineland, Ontario, where he and his wife, Rosanna, reside with their son, Elliott.

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>ECUaDOR

By Cathi Korvemaker

the

Sown Seed

“But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

The principles of this passage, in Matthew 13, seemed to thread their way through a recent service trip to Ecuador.

On February 15, 2016, 22 volunteers from Covenant Christian Church of Wyoming, Ontario, traveled to serve in a small community near the coast in Ecuador. Quininde is a city of approximately 135,000 people, of which only 7,000 are employed in full-time work. There is significant poverty, both economic and spiritual here, yet we see biblical seeds planted and taking hold.

We arrived in the capital city of Quito to the familiar faces of Fred and Arlene Jonkman, who serve as mission workers with Ecuador Missions. They had been preparing for us for some weeks now and they guided our weary bodies to the waiting bus where we loaded up all the luggage, a variety of tools, supplies, and donated items, even dried soup. Arriving the next day at our destination, bumping our way through potholed streets lined with a variety of block and concrete housing and curious onlookers, we came to “El Refugio,” a camp which would be home for the next several days.

The team worked at various sites.

The men worked on building a block wall around the perimeter This mural has the words of 1 Corinthians 3:7 painted onto it in Spanish. of a recently purchased property (“So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but that would eventually house a God who gives the increase.”)

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permanent site for the third Word & Deed sponsorship project of Dos de Mayo. This project is presently renting a school building nearby. One hundred twenty-five children from perhaps one of the poorest communities in Quininde eagerly gather here throughout the week. These children learn the Bible, play games, eat a hot nutritious lunch, and receive love and guidance from the leaders who tirelessly try to make changes for the better in their lives. Our team of ladies were divided among the three Word & Deed sponsorship sites here, working with the leaders doing crafts with the children as well as playing a variety of games. We were touched by the dedication and love each leader displayed to the children. Each afternoon, after lunch and a short rest, the men returned to the construction site and the ladies went to paint at one of the sponsorship buildings, including the completion of two large murals that carried the theme of the “sown seed.”

A couple of team members spent time doing electrical work at a house recently constructed on a developing five-acre site, where previous teams had completed a block wall. The site, Casa de la Esperanza, or House of Hope, is awaiting the next stage of construction. The Lord willing, construction will soon begin on a larger building that will house apartments, classrooms to train locals in new skills, and rooms for microindustries and shops. Further construction cannot begin until a building permit is obtained. We wait on the Lord’s

timing to receive these permits. Future plans also include four homes for rehabilitating abused and abandoned children in a peaceful and nurturing environment. There are plans for a medical clinic and recreational facilities that would provide help and healing, a refuge for the broken. This project is supported through the Luke Society and Word & Deed, and will be primarily built by teams coming to lend skills to help make it a place where the seed of the Gospel can be sown.

There are stories here that reveal God’s power and grace to change lives. Some of us who had visited on our first team, three years ago, noticed the change. The Christian community is growing. There is a solid Bible-teaching church that gathers locally each weekend, as well as Bible study throughout the week. The locals are taking ownership of the projects and building on what has started. People are speaking out about the need for Christ to change their community. It was encouraging to us and also exciting to witness these changes!

There are still many more challenges, but there is hope, the hope of the cross in the seed that is being planted. God is at work here. It was a blessing for our team to work and serve in Quininde. Pray with us that the planted seed will continue to produce an abundance of fruit in Ecuador. W&D Cathi Korvemaker attends Covenant Christian Church in Wyoming, ON, with her husband, Al. She has coordinated service trips to Ecuador for the last several years.

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>GUaTEMaLa

By Harry Kooistra

the

Cubulco Nutrition Program

It was already getting warm as we sat in the office of Ms. Eulalia C. Ortiz, Director of the Cubulco Nutrition Program, for an interview. Her diminutive size is not an indication of her drive and commitment. Phil, our translator, had to slow her down in order to translate for us. It is clear this is where her heart is and she expressed her appreciation for our interest in her work.

Eulalia (eh-ooh-la-lia) was born and raised in Cubulco, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala, so she knows the people and the area very well. She has been trained in social work and has picked up a very thorough understanding of nutrition and the medical aspects of malnutrition. She comes from a large Christian family and from an early age was encouraged to serve the people in this area. Her father preaches regularly in the outlying villages.

At the end of our interview she encouraged us to go with her on one of her visits to a family living in the hills just outside of town. The following day we met at her office and loaded up the truck with a half-dozen youngsters also here on a mission

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trip for Word & Deed. We followed the unpaved road a short distance out of town and stopped near a barbed wire fence.

Beyond the fence we saw a narrow trail, and we followed Eulalia to a simple home approximately a 20-minute walk away. Eulalia slowed her pace so we could keep up; she did not even break a sweat. She explained along the way that the family we were visiting has complied with the program she is teaching and, after charting their progress for the last several months, she has seen encouraging results.

After that brisk walk, we were greeted by the mother of a bright-eyed three-year-old girl. The grandfather and father were also present and they greeted us warmly. The house had a dirt floor, the roof had recently been replaced, the cooking facilities had been moved away from the house, and the chickens and other animals were now kept outside the living space. There was a plastic conduit bringing spring water to the house. The water is run through a filter, also supplied by the program, before it is used. Outside the perimeter we saw a small vegetable garden.

Once we were introduced and seated, Eulalia explained that on every visit she updates her charts and reads a Scripture lesson as well as prays with and for the family. Today was no different except that we were asked to read and pray. We did so with Sam, our AMG escort, translating into Spanish and Eulalia then translating into Achi, the local Mayan dialect. Psalm 23 was a good choice and the family listened attentively. Before we left we were asked to come inside the house to meet the great-grandmother of the family. We were led to a back room and introduced to a lady of 83 years; she was sitting on the floor and Sam explained that she lost the use of her legs due to a fall some time ago. We were not able to determine exactly what the injury was, but it appeared to involve her lower back. Despite her condition she brightened up when we entered and was very pleased to see Eulalia.

Apparently she had heard us reading the Bible and asked us to pray for her. We did so. We left after being offered a drink of cold water, filtered to be sure.

As we walked back, Eulalia explained that the results often leave a lot to be desired since not all families complete the program. Progress is seen even in those families and that is encouraging. She requested our support in the form of our prayers for her and her work and reminded us that we, together, are planting good seed. The results will be harvested in eternity and we need to take that to heart every day.

Word & Deed sponsored a work trip to Guatemala in early March of this year; a total of 25 people completed work for our partner, AMG Guatemala.

Phil and Sam are full-time employees of AMG. Word & Deed coordinates and funds the Nutrition Program with AMG. Please keep this partnership in your prayers. W&D Harry Kooistra attends the Sovereign Grace URC in Grand Rapids, MI. He is the secretary of the Word & Deed USA board.

The Cubulco

Nutrition Program

The Cubulco Hospital in Guatemala runs a nutrition program which aims to restore several hundred underweight children to health each year. This is accomplished by teaching their parents and caregivers responsible nutrition practices, improving personal hygiene, improving cleanliness in their homes, and helping families start their own vegetable gardens. Budget in 2016: L-R: Karen Vander Sloot (W&D USA board member), Eulalia Ortiz, and Harry Kooistra. $29,000 (CAD) / $23,000 (USD) SUMMER 2016 I Word&Deed

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>NiCaRaGUa

By Carlos Coffin

Realizing Indigenous Potential

Three and a half years ago, Word & Deed Ministries approved the Agricultural Commercialization Program, a socioeconomic development project benefitting about 1,345 families living in eight Miskito communities on the northern coast of Nicaragua.

We, of Palabras y Hechos Nicaragua (Word & Deed Nicaragua), are committed to the vision of promoting sustainable development for the families of these communities, and our daily efforts focus on moving them from scarcity to abundance and from dependency to self-sufficiency.

Over time, the impact of this project has been significant for most families in these communities that have historically lived in situations of extreme poverty. The immediate cultural context does not help impoverished families improve, so they are constantly in a situation of scarcity and economic dependence. Generally, most parents have very little education; their work culture has been subsistence farming.

Most of them, at both the household and community levels, lack a plan of development in the medium or long term. No program or project from either the government or other agencies has given them any educational attention to help them improve their farming techniques or explore new crop alternatives; nor is there financial support to invest in their development, a situation that has led them to lose hope for a better future for their children. These are some of the factors that have led them to live in situations of poverty and dependence, although, paradoxically, they have lots of natural wealth in resources such as land, forest, and water that can

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be leveraged to boost agricultural production, sustainable forestry, and to achieve substantial socioeconomic growth.

Through the Agricultural Commercialization Program, Word & Deed Ministries has provided education to improve agricultural production. Beneficiaries are learning new techniques for farming and are being encouraged to explore farming nontraditional crops such as cocoa, pineapple, moringa, and coffee. The people are also taught to manage community seed banks so that local producers can stock up without difficulty in each production cycle. A small microcredit support also enables farmers to invest in their land which is expected to increase and improve the agricultural production process. Equipping pastors and community members with a biblical worldview is also an integral part of this project (something which will be highlighted in a future article).

The perceived changes are very positive, although slow in coming. So far the most significant benefit of this project is seen in the work culture of the people. We can see that farmers are gradually moving away from a mentality of dependency and are seeking economic self-sufficiency. They serve their plots better and receive a higher yield. They are keeping their own seeds for each production cycle as well as working with seed banks in each community. As a project we no longer collect and store seeds for the farmers; they have been taught to collect and store their own seeds, and are

Carlos (far right) with a few of the beneficiaries of the program standing by a moringa tree. able to operate the seed bank independently. Word & Deed will provide seeds to the community banks if necessary (for example, if there has been a crop failure). Also, several farmers have been trained to produce seeds to become seed suppliers and producers in their communities.

Many of the beneficiaries of this program are also adopting plans for longterm family life, working on diversified farms with crops and activities that will yield results in the short, medium, and long term. They are also learning and appreciating the importance of being able to harvest enough produce to sell at markets, but culturally, the Miskito people are not good at trade.

Often in the past they would sell their produce too cheap or be taken This project trains locals in eight communities in sustainable agricultural production. Over the span of ten years, the project will advantage of. Through the program they are also learning how move from education in basic farming techniques (developing and to sell their products in local markets either directly or through maintaining seed banks, exploring different types of crops, etc.) to intermediaries. commercialization of the produce and the development of Christian The constant training, exchanges with other farmers, and leaders. Still needed in 2016: $130,000 CAD / $97,500 USD experience with new production techniques have helped them understand the potential of their communities and their responsibility to provide for their own families and communities. They now realize that they can improve their living conditions if they work with vision, discipline, and a little financial investment, which they receive through the microcredit program from Word & Deed Nicaragua.

Agricultural Commercialization

There is still a long way to go to influence the culture of the people, but with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help we have made progress and are slowly moving toward the goal. W&D Carlos Coffin is the Country Director of Word & Deed Projects in Nicaragua.

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>NiGERia

By Pastor Daniel Pever

Total Dependence

On

God

In the beginning when Cornerstone Academy began, it was empty and formless. We started in a very humble way. We had to assemble the children under a mango tree and two huts for classes.

This was in the year 1999. I was motivated to launch this ministry due to the poor and desperate situation the local children were in. At that time there were no Christian schools in the area. Even public schools were not close by. The children had no future so they were stranded like sheep without a shepherd. Many ended up with “street smarts” and were involved in all kinds of evil arts.

Partnership with Word & Deed Ministries has helped to bring life to that which was empty and formless. A local board was established; proposals were written and various projects have been carried out over the years. Now the school has two beautiful campuses, one in Koti-Yough and another in Makurdi (all in Benue State of Nigeria). In terms of infrastructure, both of our campuses are rated highly in the state.

The school now offers both primary and secondary school (K–12) education. Many of our 12th grade students have gained admission into various higher institutions within the country and beyond. The school has over 45 full-time staff members and about 1,400 students. The school also accepts internship students from various universities and colleges of education in the state.

When we started the school it was free. This was because the people did not see the need for Christian education at that time. But over the years as our services began to surface, many parents and children are coming to us in a very large number. What the Bible says, “My people perish because of lack of knowledge” is true. Now that they have seen and realized the importance of Christian education there is a high demand for it. Because of the people’s understanding and demand, we have introduced low tuition fees to help us operate better. With respect to operating costs, we are now self-sufficient. We continue to receive some funding from Word & Deed for infrastructure-related projects (desks, furniture, etc.). Our long-term plan is that within the next five years we should be able to support other infant ministries and to expand some unreached areas.

Over the years we have discovered that ministry has to do with investment and proper management.

It’s something that does not grow overnight. It’s like a mustard seed that grows over time. Thus, patience and total dependence on God is required. God used me and my fellow board members to plant the ministry, Word & Deed watered, and God made it to grow. Glory be to God. W&D Pastor Daniel Pever is the founder and principal of Cornerstone Academy schools in Nigeria.

Cornerstone Academy Christian Schools With thanksgiving to the Lord, the infrastructure projects have been completed at the two Cornerstone Academy Christian schools in Nigeria. The school has run self-sufficiently for some years with respect to operating costs. Both schools have a local pastor from the Reformed Church acting as a chaplain and each teacher also teaches Bible lessons.

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SPONSOR A CHILD IN

Ilieth Born: October 19, 2000 Desired Profession: Cosmetologist

o o l C MBIA

Fabian Born: October 11, 2003 Favorite Subject: Math and Spanish

Many Colombian sponsor children and their families have fled their hometowns to settle in Internally Displaced People (IDP) zones which have clustered around some of the main cities in Colombia. But IDP zones can be dangerous and unstable places too and, although they are often seen to be preferable to the violence of drug cartels or paramilitary groups, they are marked by poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitary conditions, gangs, drug use, and prostitution. Through the Word & Deed Sponsorship Program, hundreds of children have a doorway to a better life.

Please consider sponsoring one of 160 available children in Colombia!

To sponsor, visit www.wordanddeed.org or call 877.375.9673.

Jarel

Natalia

Jonahatan

Rafael

Born: September 29, 2010 Desired Profession: Policeman

Born: August 3, 2001 Favorite Sport: Soccer

Born: July 28, 2002 Desired Profession: Medical field

Angelly Born: August 16, 2010 Desired Profession: Doctor

Born: March 4, 2010 Desired Profession: Doctor

Born: November 25, 2002 Desired Profession: Nurse

Oraima

Yuraisith Born: November 8, 2013 Favorite Activities: Playing with dolls

Stefany Born: October 29, 2010 Favorite Food: Fried plantain with meat & rice

Jenifer

Emily

Born: April 17, 2010 Desired Profession: Doctor

Born: August 21, 2009 Favorite Activities: Playing with toys

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>VoLunteeR profile

By Hanna Korvemaker

Meetings please stay tuned for confirmed dates and locations JUNE 2016 Cambridge, ON Chilliwack, BC Abbotsford and Langley, BC September 2016 Niagara, ON

Upcoming

events

SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS: Lethbridge, AB: June 25, 2016 Grand Rapids, MI July 30, 2016 Chilliwack, BC: September 10, 2016 Paris, ON: September 17, 2016

Working

in

God’s Kingdom

Word & Deed: How did you first get involved with Word & Deed?

Susan Trentacosti: In the summer of 2012 the magazine staff was looking for someone interested in filling in when the regular volunteers were not available. I had previously done this for our church newsletter and as part of my full-time job in publishing, and wanted to contribute to this ministry as best I could. I helped out with the Fall 2013 issue and was soon asked if I wanted to be a regular member of the editing team. I have been involved since then and am excited when it is time to work on each issue of the magazine and feel blessed to be part of this talented team.

W&D: What was your first impression of Word & Deed?

ST: The dedication of all the volunteers in various capacities was very evident in reading all the articles about the work and ministry done throughout the world.

susan trentacosti

Upcoming Business Group

W&D: What has surprised you most about working with Word & Deed?

ST: I was unaware of the amount and scope of the mission projects Word & Deed is working on, and the number of God’s children in developing countries who are touched by the Word & Deed ministry.

W&D: What do you find most challenging about editing for Word & Deed magazine?

ST: Just a small challenge, but I think it would be striving to keep details consistent throughout the issues. And then I really hope there are no mistakes, given the widespread circulation of the magazine.

W&D: What would you say are some of your strongest beliefs about international relief?

ST: That every action (work, funds, prayer) can provide assistance and hope to the suffering and needy.

W&D: What might someone be surprised to know about you?

ST: People may be surprised that I am more Dutch than Italian, given my last name. And because I most often am in a professional setting at work, it may be surprising that I take after my grandmother in the areas of mending and growing violets.

W&D: What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for Word & Deed?

ST: I attend Lynwood United Reformed Church (Lynwood, IL) and work full-time at McGrawHill Education, where I help develop college-level content to improve students’ learning experiences. I also enjoy reading, traveling, doing crafts, and spending time with my dad, nephews, and nieces.

W&D: What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering for Word & Deed?

ST: Just do it! It isn’t difficult; it’s fun, rewarding, and you are sharing your talents and skills that God has given you to help support this organization with their work in God’s Kingdom. W&D Hanna Korvemaker works part-time in Public Relations for Word & Deed.

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Ecuador: The Sown Seed

• Praise God for providing many service team participants to support the work of Ecuador Missions and the Luke Society in Ecuador.

• Pray that the Gospel seeds that are being planted in Ecuador in various ways and places would bear good fruit, for God’s glory.

Guatemala: The Cubulco Nutrition Program

• Praise God for the opportunity to share the Gospel that this program affords.

• Pray that many families in the Cubulco Nutrition Program will complete the program.

• Pray that Eulalia Ortiz and her team would be encouraged and strengthened for their daily work.

Nicaragua: Realizing Indigenous Potential

• Praise God for the positive changes that are already taking place among the Miskito communities that Word & Deed is working with.

• Pray that the local Nicaraguan leadership implementing this program, including Carlos, will not be discouraged as they encounter various challenges.

Nigeria: Total Dependence on God

• Praise God for blessing these Christian schools with growth and success since their inception more than 15 years ago.

• Pray that our partners will be able to attain their long-term goal of reaching additional remote areas with Christian education.

prayer requests

Word & Deed North America

• Praise God for providing wise and competent board members to oversee and guide the work of Word & Deed Ministries.

• Praise God for providing faithful volunteers to support Word & Deed in many various ways (graphic designers, event coordinators, editors, etc.).

• Please pray for safety and wisdom for our Project Managers as they embark on annual country visits to evaluate projects and provide encouragement to our local partners.

benefited by my praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them, I have gotten something “I have

for myself.”

Samuel Rutherford

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A Living Legacy As generation gives way to generation in North America, billions of dollars change hands. Who will benefit? Consider adding a child named â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charityâ&#x20AC;? to your will and leave a legacy that lives on through the work of the Lord on this earth.

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

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

Join us for our annual

DINNER Tour Rev. Daniel Pever, Founder of Cornerstone Academy in Nigeria

Copetown, ON November 11 Jordan, ON November 12 Chilliwack, BC November 18 Aldergrove, BC November 19

Rev. Yonson Dethan, Founder of Children of Light in Indonesia

Orangeville, ON November 5 Carman, MB November 12 Edmonton, AB November 18 More details are available on our website. Please call 1.877.375.9673 to book your seat!

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www. wordanddeed .org

FROM THE BOARD MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR brief history of the Philippines along with On March 30 and April 1–2, the combined Boards of Directors of Word information about the Student Missionary & Deed Ministries of Canada and the USA met at our annual Policy Outreach. Pastor Najapfour intends to move Days Retreat to consider what we are doing and how we are doing it. to the Philippines in the next year serving with this organization in It is good to review our work in light of what 1 John 3:16–18 teaches. teaching men to become pastors. There is a lot of work to be done in A passage which reminds us that we must continue to focus on loving preparation and we covet your prayers for him and his family. others in deed and in truth just as Jesus Christ loved us first.

The retreat was enjoyed by all who attended and we were It was good to see the Board members and staff in attendance and to re-energized to carry on with the work of Word & Deed. It is so welcome John Jagersma as a new observer to the Canadian Board and encouraging to see Scott Koopman as our how the Lord has newest employee. continued to bless There were strategic the ministry and planning sessions, how everyone is so project reviews, public eager to fulfill the relations reports, and mandate of 1 John encouragement in 3. Please continue seeing how the Lord to pray for the has blessed Word work in all of the & Deed with the countries where necessary funds to we are working, for continue to support all the Board to make projects. wise decisions, and Pastor Brian for wisdom and Najapfour (pastor of strength for the Dutton URC in Dutton, staff. May God bless MI) presented a topic you as you partner Thursday evening on with us.

“Biblical Motivations for Proclaiming the Corney Les, Canadian Gospel” and on Friday Board Chair morning gave a Pastor Brian Najapfour presenting at the Policy Days 2016 retreat.

Seeing Double?

Seeing Double?

If Word & Deed magazine is being delivered to you at your church and mailed to your home please let us know and help us save on printing and mailing costs.

www.wordanddeed.org 1.877.375.9673 (Canada) I 1.866.391.5728 (USA)

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Meditation: The Lord of Hosts Is with Us 1. List some evidences of a “decline of religious tolerance” in North America.

2. Based on Psalm 46, why can believers be hopeful and confident even during these times of declining religious tolerance and outright persecution in many places?

3. Read Psalm 46 through. In your own words, explain how this psalm offers you personal comfort in the face of some of your own fears.

Ecuador: The Sown Seed 1. List the various ways that the service team from Covenant Christian Church was able to serve the people of Quininde on their recent trip to Ecuador. In what practical ways do you suppose their ministry in “deed” is opening doors for ministry of the “Word” to take place?

2. In this article, it is noted that the area of Quininde is marked by high unemployment and

significant poverty—both physical and spiritual. Is there any place in your neighborhood that looks like this too? List some practical ways that you might serve this neighborhood and thereby demonstrate the love of Christ in your own community.

Guatemala: The Cubulco Nutrition Program 1. List the ways that you see the Cubulco Nutrition Program making a difference in the lives of those who are a part of the program (consider its physical and spiritual impact).

2. What did Eulalia mean when she said that the results of this nutrition program would be “harvested in eternity?”

Nicaragua: Realizing Indigenous Potential 1. What are some of the challenges facing local Nicaraguan farmers?

2. Look up the definition of the word “subsistence.” How is the Agricultural Commercialization Program helping local Nicaraguan farmers move beyond “subsistence farming?”

Nigeria: Total Dependence on God 1. Why was it free to attend the Cornerstone Academy schools when they first opened?

2. Why is there now a tuition fee? Do you agree or disagree with the decision to introduce tuition fees? Why or why not?

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.