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Never Say Never .........................4Hospitality and Gladness ...................................6God’s Love Story in the Bible ...........................10Agents of Change .............................................12 Alumni Corner ...................................................15

Fall 2014 • Volume 3 • No. 4 • www.crwm.org

Photo: A Nepali woman gives her greetings

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INTERNATIONALCRWM has several new missionaries who are either on the mission field or will be there soon. Pray that these new missionaries will have meaningful, deep, relationships in their communities. Pray that they will be effective in their ministries as they transition into new cultures.

MISSIONARY TEACHERSMany missionaries serve as teachers around the world. As classes start up again this fall at several international schools, pray for a smooth transition for the students and teachers. ISRAEL/PALESTINEDuring turbulent times this summer, CRWM’s Hope Equals team was able to witness peacemaking efforts in the Holy Land. Pray that efforts for peace in the Middle East continue among the violence there.

NIGERIAPray for peace in Nigeria. CRWM missionaries continue in life and ministry there. Still, they see the effects of violence and terror in their adopted country every day.

WEST AFRICAAn outbreak of the Ebola virus has caused a deep concern for people living in West Africa. Pray for comfort for all people who have been affected by the deadly virus in West Africa.

UKRAINEPolitical unrest with neighboring Russia has caused violence and destruction in Ukraine. Pray that the many displaced people there will find shelter and materials.

CENTRAL AMERICADespite gang activity and drug trafficking in several Central American countries, CRWM missionaries are enabling young people to make a positive change in their communities. Pray that their efforts will help change the hearts of people living in spiritual darkness.

SOUTH SUDANPolitical differences among major tribes in South Sudan caused the whole nation to erupt in civil war last December. The war has led to deaths, displacements, and

destruction. Pray for a quick end to the war. Pray for the safety of those who are stuck in war zones and those living in under-supplied refugee camps.

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For a CRWM missionary, summer months are often packed with church visits, group meetings, and a lot of traveling back in North America. While there, the missionaries look to share with their supporters what life is like overseas. Sheila Dykstra recently showed a glimpse of what working with Christian Reformed World Missions in Nigeria is like at an event called “Hands on Africa.”

Sheila smiled as children dressed in brightly-colored Nigerian outfits tried walking with buckets of water on their head. Other children played musical instruments to the beat of a Nigerian melody. The

smell of chin chin and other African dishes were in the air.

“It was a great way for the children to engage in missions and other cultures from an exploring perspective,” Sheila said.

“Hands on Africa” was organized by members of Sheila’s supporting churches. It included games, dress-up booths, and crafts from Nigeria.

Participants also had the opportunity to color and write notes on an image of praying hands. Sheila will share these notes with teachers and students back in Nigeria.

Sheila felt the event was a great way for the kids to meet one of their church’s missionaries.

“The next day, a young girl who attended the event ran up to me and gave me a big hug!” Sheila said.

Events like “Hands on Africa” are one of many ways to engage people from your church in missions. How do you engage missionaries at your church? Dessert socials? Childrens’ messages? Small group meetings? You can discover more ideas at crwm.org.

Sheila Dykstra’s supporting churches found a unique way for her to share her experiences

Hands On Africa

Church members participate in activities at the “Hands on Africa” event

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When Janet Toornstra told people why she would be traveling from her home in Edmonton all the way to Kenya, they often had a similar response: “You’re going all that way just to pray? But what else are you going to do?”

But Janet would answer, “I’m not going there just to pray; I’m going there to pray.”

Janet was a member of the very first Prayer Safari, a ten-day trip hosted by Mwaya Wa Kitavi, Christian Reformed World Missions’ Eastern and Southern Africa regional leader.

When Janet first heard about the opportunity on CRWM’s Facebook page, she was excited about the idea of praying with and for the people of Kenya. But her excitement quickly turned to worry.

Worry about being alone. Worry about Kenya’s political situation. Worry about her own praying abilities.

“I secretly hoped the trip would be cancelled,” Janet confessed. But it wasn’t.

Cracked Pots in Kenya After meeting other members of the Prayer Safari and the local people who would be joining them in their prayer walk, Janet’s feeling of anxiousness grew. The other participants’ free-flowing and enthusiastic prayers didn’t match the quick and calm prayers she was used to saying herself.

But then she saw something that encouraged her—a cracked pot. Janet spotted the giant potted plant outside of her hotel room. What stuck out most to her about this pot was not the array of leaves growing out of the top, but the small stem of green growing out of the pot’s wide crack that ran halfway up the side. “The pot reminded me how God uses our imperfections and makes them perfect, whole, and effective through His grace,” said Janet. “We cracked pots can be used by God to make a difference.” Remembering her own cracks, Janet saw people in homes, slums, and offices that were filled with cracks as well. But more

importantly, she saw how these people were trusting God.

Janet was still out of her comfort zone for much of the trip. Still, she found a way to use her strengths.

“Children are my niche,” Janet said. “So when we prayed at the local schools, I really enjoyed singing and praying with the children there.” The Power of Prayer—The Lasting EffectsOn another day of the safari, Janet found herself literally praying over the city of Nairobi as she stood on the roof of the office of Kenya’s president. The team was there to offer prayers for wisdom for those who were in government positions and working in the various buildings they were overlooking in the nation’s capital.

Never Say NeverA look at CRWM’s Prayer Safari through Janet’s eyes

Janet Toornstra in Kenya The cracked pot that inspired Janet

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“Never say never when you are thinking about going on a trip like this,” Janet said. “God put me there.” The time spent with the government officials even inspired some of the officials to begin an office Bible study for about 50 staff members. One participant is the police officer in charge of a major county in Kenya. “Today marks a great day for me,” the officer said at the Bible study’s launch. “To know that staff will be meeting and praying for me and the security of this county and country is a great blessing.”

The trip’s lasting effects will also show in the heart of Janet and other North Americans who were part of the Prayer Safari.

Janet is now considering starting her own prayer group

at Maranatha CRC, her home church. Like she and others did in the Prayer Safari, she hopes to physically pray with the people who are in the group’s prayers.

“How many times do we say we will pray for someone, but then just walk away?” Janet said. “I want to be able to pray for them right on the spot.”

If you are interested in attending the upcoming Prayer Safari from February 5-16, 2015, visit crwm.org/safari. You probably won’t see any giraffes or lions, but you will witness the power of prayer.

The Prayer Safari group prays over the city of Nairobi from the roof of the office of Kenya’s President

Students pray for their teacher during the Prayer Safari

They had no idea. The first time that members of the worship band Oil of Gladness stepped into Karen’s home, they had no idea it belonged to a mzungu, a white person. Karen had no idea that this “one time” practice session would quickly turn into a weekly event. And none of them had any idea how much they would learn and grow from one another.

But God knew.

Lawrence, along with other members of Oil of Gladness, had been looking for a place for the band to practice for almost two years. So when he found out his friend Karen, a missionary with

Christian Reformed World Missions in Uganda, had a few instruments in her home, he asked if the band could use her sitting room space.

Karen said yes, but some of the other band members were hesitant and cautious.

“Oftentimes in Uganda,” explained Karen, “people see westerner’s homes as a place of privacy. They don’t necessarily feel welcomed or wanted when going there.”

Breaking Down the Walls“I want my home to be open,” said Karen. “I want to break down the walls between myself and the people in Uganda.”

The band members quickly saw that Karen was genuine in her hospitality. The one Friday night practice soon turned into every Friday night—even nights when Karen wasn’t home. In fact, one of the band members even lived in Karen’s house when she was away for home service.

“You have poured out your heart to us,” Sam, a band member, told Karen. “Opening your home, letting everybody come in and spend as much time as they want . . . that has really blessed us.”

The band opened their heart to Karen, too, and she joined them as Oil of Gladness’ newest singer.

Karen Lubbers shares experiences of praise, worship, and pigs as a member of a worship band

Hospitality and Gladness

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Oil of Gladness Worship Band

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The band’s name comes from words in Isaiah 61 that speak of being anointed to proclaim the Good News. Members of the band are also breaking down walls at the denominational level.

“We have members from the Anglican church, the church of Uganda, and several other denominations,” said Karen. “It has allowed us to worship with all different churches, showing that we all worship the same God!”

So far, Karen has joined the band in performing at wedding receptions, church services, and other events. The band’s practice time has also grown into a time of fellowship and Bible study.

“When I came to Uganda,” said Karen, “I wanted to find a small group to be a part of and to fellowship with, following Jesus’

model of 12 disciples. Oil of Gladness is my 12.”

From Music to PigsOne of the band’s major goals is to be self-sustaining. This led Karen and Moses, a singer and musician in the group, to attend a Timothy Leadership Training seminar on serving God through work and worship.

CRWM works in partnership with the Timothy Institute to provide TLT sessions. The attendees learn how to create specific goals for their project.

“Together Moses and I developed a written proposal and work plan for our team,” explained Karen. “We wanted to create an income-generating project so that we can raise money to buy equipment and instruments.”

After discussing ways to earn income as a group, Oil of Gladness decided they would begin raising pigs together and selling them to buy equipment. They nicknamed the project “OG’s Hogs.”

“I want to thank God for you and your ministry,” Sam told Karen. “Your ministry is about love for God and your neighbors, and I’m glad that [I as a person] and we as a band are beneficiaries of that love.”

Praise God for the community that has formed among members of Oil of Gladness. Pray that the members will continue finding opportunities to share their joy in the Gospel with others.

Praying over the written plan Residents of the new piggery

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Nearly 60 years ago, a little boy and girl came to Nigeria as children of Christian Reformed World Missions parents. Growing up there, these children developed a passion for the people of Nigeria.

Years later the boy and girl got married, and spent the next 36 years serving God’s people in Nigeria with CRWM. They are Al and Jacie Persenaire.

“We both fell in love with the people, the beautiful country, and each other,” said Jacie.

Hillcrest SchoolIn the center of the bustling, oil-exporting country of Nigeria, on the top of a 4,000 foot plateau, lies a small Christian international

school of 260 students: Hillcrest.It was here that Al and Jacie first met, and here they have spent many of their years preparing young people to be leaders across the globe. Al has served as Hillcrest’s principal for about eight years. He has also taught science and business courses there.

“It was so neat to see these kids becoming leaders with integrity and firm commitment to the Lord,” said Al.

Most recently, Al and Jacie got to see the work of Hillcrest School’s education in action when CNN interviewed one of their students. Wiebe Boer, who works for an organization that aims to advance Africa’s economic development, spoke about how the kidnapping of 30 Nigerian girls by the Boko Haram terrorist group affects the economy.

Another student that Al impacted at Hillcrest is George Ahiome, one of CRWM’s newest missionaries to Nigeria. George will be working at the Daniel Center, training, mentoring, and networking Nigerian leaders.

Bible Study FellowshipOver the past 27 years, Jacie has been involved in Bible Study Fellowship. Thanks in part to her efforts, there are now about 1,200 adults and 500 children who have

attended the classes and are studying God’s Word in the city of Jos.

One of the many students Jacie will remember is Charity. Charity converted to the Christian faith 10 years ago along with her mother. Now Charity is leading her own Bible studies in her church.

Not long before Jacie left Nigeria, Charity spoke passionately to women in her church about their role as mothers, home managers, and wives. The message grew out of of six months of Jacie and Charity studying together.

“Charity is a very gifted person,” Jacie reflected. “Every time we talked, she would take what we discussed and put it into practice. It amazed me.”

36 Years and CountingA look back, and forward, on Al and Jacie Persenaire’s years of missionary service

Jacie with her mother in Nigeria

Al and Jacie on their wedding day

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Continuing Service through Educational CareIn 2014, God began preparing Al and Jacie for a change. After much prayer, they felt called to move back to their family in North America. Although their time in Nigeria ended in June, their service with CRWM will continue.

Jacie will be mentoring the new area advisor for Bible Study Fellowship by phone. Al will be the project manager for Educational Care, a unique curriculum developed by Christian Reformed World Missions’ Global Impact department.

“Schools around the world are crying for help in training their staff in providing a biblical worldview,” said Al. “My new position will give me the opportunity to use the gifts God has given me and be stretched in new ways.”

Although his position will be based in North America, Al will also be doing some traveling as he works with developing Educational Care materials.

Both Al and Jacie taught a lot of lessons while they were serving in Nigeria, but they also learned a lot from the people there. “We worked with some incredibly spiritual people,” said Al. “They have joy in all circumstances and they readily acknowledge that God is in full control.”

“There has been so much joy in this journey,” Jacie added. “We are eager to see what God will teach us as we move on with Him.”

Praise God for working through Al and Jacie’s 36 years of service in Nigeria. Pray that they will continue to be encouraged as they transition to this new phase of their lives.

Al speaking with students at Hillcrest School

Jacie and a group of women at a Bible Study Fellowship leadership training event

CRWM missionary Abe Lee witnessed Poncho grow through reading the Bible

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With the help of his rusty walker, Poncho made his way to the church classroom. He was the first one there every week. Even though he was the most senior elder serving in his church, Poncho knew he still had a lot to learn.

At almost 70 years old, Poncho was finally fulfilling his goal of reading through the Bible for the first time. He was one of nine students in Abe Lee’s Bible study at Shekinah Church in Cuernavaca, Mexico.

“We weren’t just reading the Bible for the sake of reading it,” explained Abe. “We were trying to understand God’s heart and God’s role in history.”

To help group members work toward this goal, Abe assigned a Bible reading every day. Then, each Sunday, the group came together to discuss what each member took away from the reading.

“They had such rich comments, experiences, and insights,” Abe recalled. “They came up with discussion topics that I never would have thought of.”

Reading the Bible for the first time made Poncho look at his relationships with his family members in a new way.

“Poncho loves the Bible,” said Abe, “and now he is deepened by God’s love story written within it.”

Reading about God’s love to His people inspired Poncho to show that kind of love to his wife. Instead of spending hours in front of the television each day, Poncho began helping around the house and having meaningful discussions with his wife.

“Even at 70 years old, you have to work on your marriage,” Abe said.

The Bible reading and class discussions also made Poncho look at his relationship with his son, Julio, a pastor who also took part in the Bible study. Poncho realized he had made mistakes when raising Julio. But now Poncho had the opportunity to make things right with his son—right in the middle of the discussion.

“Poncho apologized to Julio in front of the whole class,” Abe said. “It showed just how comfortable everyone had become through our meetings together.”

When the nine students completed the class, each one prepared a testimony and shared it with the group. Many of the members shared how they will continue to explore the Bible on their own.

Praise God for the changes He made in Poncho’s life. Pray that Poncho will continue to work toward improving his relationships and serving in his church.

God’s Love Story in the Bible

Poncho sharing his testimony at a Bible study meeting

Troy and Faith Bierma recognized and responded to one of the greatest needs of the Nepalese church

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After finishing his theological training, Sanjay felt ready to serve the Lord. The young Nepalese leader was on a spiritual high and was confident about going into full-time ministry.

But then the reality of that decision hit him.

“I want to serve in the church, but I don’t want to look forward to poverty my whole life,” Sanjay told Troy and Faith Bierma, missionaries with Christian Reformed World Missions in Nepal.

For Sanjay, serving in full-time ministry means not being able to care for his aging parents, pay for his children’s education, or save up for a home when he retires. Like many pastors in Nepal, he is stuck.

“Churches in Nepal are too poor to pay their pastors well, or even at all,” explained Troy. “You can pursue a calling to ministry, or you can take care of your family.”

As one of the people who trains Nepalese church leaders at the Evangelical Presbyterian Theological Seminary (EPTS), Troy hated the idea of setting his students up for a life of poverty. He also did not want these leaders to have to be dependent on western funds. So he proposed a change.

After looking into some options, Troy and Faith discovered the potential for training church leaders in aquaponics, a system of farming fish and using the nutrient-rich waste water from them to grow vegetables.

Together with an existing Christian aquaponic business in Nepal,

interested EPTS students like Sanjay will soon be able to receive training in aquaponics and biblical business principles.

“Training in aquaponic farming is one way we hope to contribute toward a more sustainable church in Nepal,” said Troy.

What right now is only an unfinished row of bricks and wooden beams will soon be a flourishing aquaponics training center that will allow theological students like Sanjay to learn a skill that will make his ministry more sustainable.

Pray that churches in Nepal will be able to become more sustainable so that pastors like Sanjay can pursue God’s call without significant financial burdens.

Creating a Sustainable Church

Lettuce grows in the aquaponics system The aquaponics training center under construction

As Regine Orange examined her new neighborhood in Haiti, she saw children walking around with nowhere to play. There were no sports leagues, no playgrounds, and no supervision. But Regine took a step to bring change. One Sunday afternoon, Regine invited eight children into her backyard and led them in games and songs. Seeing the children laugh, play, and learn made Regine realize her potential to be a positive influence on young people in Haiti. But she wanted to do more. In efforts to develop her outreach, Regine came in contact with Larry Luth, a missionary with Christian Reformed World Missions in Haiti. It’s Larry’s mission to enable young people like Regine to become agents of change in their community.

“The role of youth as agents of change takes on greater significance in places where violence and poverty rob young people of the opportunity to be kids,” said Larry. A Zechariah 8 MindsetFor Regine, words from Zechariah 8 paint a picture of hope for her community: “Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of

Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age. The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” Still, this picture is far from reality right now. “In places where there’s violence, kids can’t just play on the streets,” said Larry. “In places where there’s poverty, children are required to help provide for the family. In places where there’s no opportunity for schools, that’s where trouble happens.” To develop her leadership skills, Regine made the commitment to join a three-year leadership training program with Larry. Through that program, she discovered new ways to reach out to young people in her community using a biblical worldview.

“It’s amazing to see transformation take place over the course of the program,” says Larry. “Changed hearts learning to love more deeply and changed minds finding new ways of expressing Christ’s love. It is the beginning of community transformation.”

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Young people in Haiti are learning how to positively affect their community

Agents of Change

Regine Orange

IMPACT training

IMPACT Clubs in HaitiAlthough many young children were participating in the activities Regine led, she realized that she needed to engage teenagers as well. When she heard about the potential that IMPACT clubs could have on the teens in her area, she was quick to ask more questions.

IMPACT clubs (Involvement, Motivation, Participation, Action, Community, Teens) began in Romania, and have since spread to other areas of the world, but not yet in Haiti. They have proven to be a great tool for enabling young people to be active citizens in their community.

To get a better picture of what participants in the clubs were doing, Larry led Regine and a few others on a vision trip to Honduras. While there, they saw how IMPACT was making a difference and they made a plan to adapt the clubs to a Haitian setting.

“These kids are learning to use their own social capital and the resources in their communities to do community projects that bring change,” said Larry.

Another person involved in bringing IMPACT clubs to Haiti is Kelly Organ, a CRWM missionary who works with IMPACT primarily in Romania. She spent part of her summer leading IMPACT trainings in Haiti.

“I love seeing this youth movement spread into new cultures and languages, taking on new shapes and faces and colors in each new place,” said Kelly. “Physically being there, meeting the leaders who will be directly implementing the IMPACT program in their home communities, was so exciting and rewarding.”

During the summer of 2014, Regine was one of three people to begin leading IMPACT clubs in

Haiti. At the clubs, Regine works to empower about 30 students to find creative solutions to problems in their own communities. She is excited to see the results of her hard training efforts come to life through the ideas that the club members have. Although her parents moved to the United States several years ago, Regine’s passion for leadership development in Haiti kept her in her home country. “She sees herself as a missionary in Haiti,” Larry shared. With a population of 57% under the age of 25, children truly represent the future of Haiti. Please pray that people see the value of investing in its children to bring a lasting improvement for people there. Praise God for people like Regine who are already committing to making a positive change in their community.

13IMPACT Haiti training attendees

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Here & ThereHOME SERVICE SCENE

AFRICA:Nigeria: Sheila Dykstra is on home service visiting many churches and individuals in Ontario through October.

Nigeria: Case and Gremar Van Wyk are in Newaygo, Michigan through December as they visit their churches.

WEST AFRICA: Calvin and Jamie Hofland are in Lamont, Michigan as they have a study assignment until mid-November. Then they will visit their Michigan supporters through early January 2015.

Evy Smith’s home base is in Chicago, Illinois through December with visits to Michigan, Oregon, and Washington.

Larry and Ann Vanderaa are in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area through December as they visit their supporting churches and individuals.

LATIN AMERICA:Dominican Republic: Rob and Betty Wood are retiring from missionary service. They will be thanking and reporting on ministry with their churches through mid-November.

Mexico: Scott and Marcia Geurink have resigned from ministry in Tijuana and will be saying farewell to their supporters through January 2015 from their West Olive, Michigan home base.

Haiti: Zachary and Sharon Segaar-King will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan through mid-February 2015 as they visit their supporting network.

IN MEMORIAM:

Mrs. Winifred Bulthuis of Lynden, Washington passed away July 5, 2014. Win and her late husband, Peter, served in Nigeria from 1955-1964 where Peter taught in Mkar. The Bulthuis family returned to Nigeria to serve as the mission secretary from 1968 to 1970. Win is survived by four children and their families.

Mrs. Margaret (Peg) MacLeod of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away May 29, 2014. Peg and her late husband, Angus (Mac) served in Argentina from 1958 to 1966. Peg is survived by two daughters and their families.

Peter Winkle of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on May 20, 2014. Pete and Joy served in Nigeria from 1964 to 1969 where Pete taught at Bristow Secondary School. Pete is survived by his wife, Renee, and three children and their families.

Donald Zwier of Hudsonville, Michigan passed away on July 17, 2014. Don served as CRWM’s Business Manager in the Grand Rapids, Michigan office from 1967 to his retirement in 1987. He is survived by his wife, Elvinah, four children and four step-children and their families.

Is God calling you to be a missionary?

CRWM has a variety of ways to get involved. Learn more at:

www.crwm.org/serve

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“Behind the Scenes” in Haiti

It was through his family’s involvement with urban ministry among Native Americans that Howard Van Dam became interested in missions at an early age. “I met many remarkable Christian families and different people groups who left a profound impact on me,” he recalls.

Ruth’s interest in missions was also piqued when she was young; she found it fascinating when missionaries shared their stories at church.

When Howard and Ruth met, they agreed that missions was something they both wanted to do. “It was one of the reasons we got married,” Ruth said.

Their shared call led them to explore possibilities for service with Christian Reformed World Missions. “We really liked the philosophy of ministry in Haiti,” Ruth said. “The Haitian leaders were in charge and the missionaries worked behind the scenes.”

In the fall of 1991 Howard and Ruth began their term as volunteers. This was a time of learning, growth, and mentorship from other missionaries in Haiti.

Two years later, Howard applied for a long term opening and was

out of the car. She responded, “I’m not going to give you this car. It would take 10-15 minutes to get all the kids out of their car seats.” The man looked into the window, agreed, and said she could go. “Haiti is a fascinating place to experience God’s protection,” she said.

The Van Dams served in Haiti until June 2014. Ruth’s advice for someone starting out in missions is this: “Embrace the country that God has called you to. Make it your home and invest in its people.”

appointed. Howard’s new role involved training professors at the John Calvin Bible Institute. Over time, this work evolved and Howard became instrumental in establishing three organizations that minister in Christian leadership, church, and school development.

“It was a blessing to help bring these organizations to life and nurture them to a point where they can now stand on their own,” said Howard.

After their four children were in school, Ruth became the administrative assistant to Sous Espwa, the combined CRC ministry in Haiti.

One event that Ruth found memorable was the time she and her children were the victims of an attempted carjacking. Driving home from church with all four kids in the back, she noticed a car blocking the road. As she slowed down, a man approached, pointed a gun at her, and told her to get

by Jim Triezenberg

The Van Dams then and now

El Salvador:• About 6 million people

• Major cities: San Salvador

(capital), Soyapongo, Santa

Ana

• War, lack of finance, and

insufficient staff have

crippled training efforts for

solid church leadership

• Pray for effective

discipleship and motivation

of believers in El Salvador

to serve and witness to the people there

CRWM USA1700 28th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508-1407800-346-0075

www.crwm.org

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San Salvador cathedral

About the Nations

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