The 27-Year Itch

Humility ComesBefore Honour

Igniting ourCulture throughLegal Challengeand Defence

In our modern society divorce has lost its stigma

Volume 56, No. 4 • February 16, 2007 THE CANADIAN REFORMED MAGAZINE

In our modern society divorce has lost its stigma

74 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

The 27-Year Itch

A fundamental problem is a failure to communicate

EditorialR. Aasman

I have unabashedly borrowed the title of thiseditorial from the cover story of Maclean’s magazine(January 29, 2007). What is the 27-year itch? No doubtyou have heard of the 7-year itch. I am not sure howfar this expression goes back, but in 1955 MarilynMonroe starred in the comedy, The Seven Year Itch.This film satirized the tendency of men to “stray” fromtheir wives after seven years of marriage. Keepingthis in mind, the expression “27-year itch” seems animprovement – twenty years improvement! But that isnot the point of this expression and it is certainly notthe point of Anne Kingston’s article in Maclean’s. The27-year itch indicates a growing trend of late-lifedivorces in the fifty to eighty-five age group. In fact,the fastest-increasing divorce rate in our country andthroughout the world is among marriages that havelasted twenty to sixty years. Once it was only the richand powerful that divorced and remarried, but now itis a cross-cultural phenomenon.

Why?Anne Kingston interviewed Deirdre Bair who has

just come out with a new book, Calling It Quits: Late-Life Divorce and Starting Over. Kingston makes clearthat Bair is a well-respected and accomplishedresearcher. Kingston asked Bair whether she observedany patterns among late-life divorces. In other words,was there a pattern in the reason for divorce at thisstage of married life? Here is Bair’s response:

A growing apart. I used a quote from LillianHellman to introduce one of the chapters: “Peoplechange and they forget to tell each other.” Anindifference comes to pass, a lack of

communication, a non-sharing of anything on anylevel. That seemed to be what inspired so manypeople to say, “There has to be something better,there has to be something different.” Of course,infidelity was a very large component, but mostlyin the upper classes. And the reason that it waspossible for these people to divorce rather than tojust end their lives living separately within a deadmarriage, I think, was the feminist movement ofthe 1970s. Many women either worked or they hadthe experience of knowing that they could make iton their own, that they were entitled to a portion oftheir husband’s pension or whatever if they hadnot worked outside the home, so they felt thatfinancially they would be able to survive. Peoplein their 60s are saying, “I could have 20 more yearsof life and I don’t want those 20 years to be whatI’m living now, I want something better.” I thinkhaving more opportunities for financial survival,and leading long-term healthier lives, has inspiredmany people to make this really astonishing step.

In her article, Anne Kingston points out that in placeof traditional commitments to marriage and family,people are putting more value on individual freedom,self-identity, starting over, and the pursuit ofhappiness. It is an ironic twist to what is consideredone of the “unalienable rights” of the United StatesDeclaration of Independence: life, liberty, and thepursuit of happiness. Basically in our modern societydivorce has lost its stigma and therefore if onemarriage partner feels stymied in any way by theother, then divorce becomes very attractive. In fact,Kingston shows from one survey that one in fourdivorced men and women stated that there were nomajor problems leading to divorce. People had fallenout of love and had grown apart and they believedthat a greater satisfaction beckoned them once theywere free of their marriage partner.

Rev. R.Aasman is minister ofthe Providence CanadianReformed Church atEdmonton,Albertaraasman@telusplanet.net

“People change and they forget to telleach other.”

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 75

The normA family-law conference in Chicago held last year

suggested that in fifty years the average person willbe married three times. The first marriage will be astarter marriage; the second marriage will be forprocreation and raising children; the third marriagewill be for companionship. Considering contemporarytrends of marriage and divorce, this is not animpossible scenario. A more likely scenario, however,is that people will engage in multiple cohabitationswithout the bother of marriage.

Any advice or hope?Neither Kingston nor Bair give the impression that

they like or are strongly promoting divorce. Both warnagainst overly romanticizing divorce. Bair warns thatdivorce is “such a drastic action” and “it should beyour last resort. It should not be something you gointo lightly.” They warn against dangers such asloneliness, depression, and poverty which can be thefallout of divorce. But in the end, the message is this:if you need to divorce, then do so with your eyes wideopen and turn this failure into the beginning of a newand successful endeavour.

I suppose that this is what one can expect from asecular publication. The dismantling of marriage andfamily, and the acceptability of divorce andremarriage is a way of life in our world. The 7-yearitch or the 27-year itch is not going away. It extends toall age groups and to every corner of society.

What about us?In the pages of our little magazine, Clarion, there

have been plenty of warnings against the spirit ofindividualism or narcissism which is the very thingthat puts self-expression ahead of commitment toothers. We also are well aware of the biblicalmandate to remain married “till death do us part.”Commitment as husband and wife to the marriagebond is sacred. Understanding this and remainingcommitted to one another protects us from thelackadaisical attitude that so many have towardmarriage. Of course we cannot be smug orcomplacent: we are not immune to the attitudes andlifestyles of our world. We may think of the Book ofRevelation, which consistently warns the churchliving in the end of times that compromise with theworld is our biggest threat. We are to stand on guard,holding to the Word of God and being obedient toJesus Christ.

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In This Issue

Editorial –The 27-Year Itch — R.Aasman ................................74Treasures, New and Old — Humility Comes BeforeHonour— D. DeBoer ..............................................................77

Igniting our Culture through Legal Challenge and Defence:the Mandate and Objective of the ECP Centre andOtherThoughts (1) — R.Wildeboer ......................................78

What’s New??? — E. Kampen......................................................81Ray of Sunshine — C. Gelms and E. Nordeman ........................83Jubilee Celebration at Smithers Canadian Reformed Church

—T. Penninga ............................................................................84Education Matters ........................................................................86Press Release – ILBP Board and C of A ..................................87Book Review — Reviewed by C.Van Dam..................................88

Regular Mail$47.00*$57.00$84.00

Air Mail$ 77.00*$ 72.00$123.00

76 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

Something further?It is, however, simply not enough to resist the spirit

and practice of our modern age and avoid the pitfallof divorce. Marriage is not simply a matter of stayingtogether no matter what! When God institutedmarriage, husband and wife were designed to beeach other’s helpers. In passages such as 1Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5 it is clear thathusband and wife are to blossom in each other’s love.

Two things should happen in marriage: first husbandand wife are to build each other up in every possibleway and secondly they are to help each other live tothe praise and glory of God. A marriage is to betypified by such things as love, respect, tenderness,empathy, and caring. If there are wrongs, they are tobe forgiven and forgotten. Husband and wife are to beeach other’s confidant. That is a very importantcomponent to marriage: our spouse should be the oneperson in our life with whom we can be completelyopen, relaxed, and comfortable. This is our bosomfriend. This is the one person we can trust, with whomwe can share anything and from whom we can expectcomplete support. A marriage partner is a wonderfulgift from God to be appreciated as long as we havelife together.

At the beginning of this article, I quoted Bair,“People change and they forget to tell each other. Anindifference comes to pass, a lack of communication,a non-sharing of anything on any level.” While I don’tlike where Bair ends up with her research on divorce,I do appreciate this insight into a fundamentalproblem with marriage. A fundamental problem is a

failure to communicate. When husband and wife donot talk to each other, sharing their struggles, theirfears, their dreams, their hopes, and when they nolonger listen to each other and therefore know eachother, then marriage becomes an empty shell.Husband and wife can become like two strangersunder one roof. How important it is that every dayhusband and wife talk openly and tenderly with eachother. It is not uncommon to see in a good marriagethat a couple spend at least two hours a day in goodconversation with each other. If there are anystruggles or concerns, husband and wife can showsupport for one another, forgive one another if that isnecessary, and most importantly, bring that togetherto the throne of God’s grace.

Marriage is an amazing and beautiful relationship.It was designed by God to bring two people closer toeach other and to God. With his grace and blessing,husband and wife can walk hand-in-hand throughthis life, even for many decades, going from strengthto strength, leading each other to eternity and thegreat wedding feast of the Lamb.

“If you need to divorce, then do so withyour eyes wide open, and turn thisfailure into the beginning of a new andsuccessful endeavour”

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 77

Humility is a very importantvirtue in many different aspects ofour life. Lord’s Day 45 teaches usthat humility is important forprayer, where we need to humbleourselves before God. The LordJesus taught in John 13 that humilityis important for those who lead. Theone who would be first must be lastand the servant of all.

Humility is especially importantin our relationship together asbrothers and sisters in thecommunion of saints. We cannotlive together in a meaningful way ifwe are not humble to each other.The Apostle Paul says inPhilippians 2:3 that we mustconsider others better thanourselves, having the same attitudeas Christ Jesus, who made Himselfnothing (v 5).

Proverbs 15:33b teaches us thathumility comes before honour. Bothhumility and honour are goodthings, but humility comes beforehonour. This means that humility ismore important than honour. It alsomeans that humility leads tohonour.

In what way is humility moreimportant than honour? Humilitybenefits the person who has it. Ahumble person can accept his ownshortcomings and failings and askforgiveness for them. A humbleperson also benefits the communionof saints more. He is able to sacrificehimself for the sake of others, as isdemanded of us in our office of

priest. Our office of priest (LD12) isthat we sacrifice ourselves for thesake of our Lord. One way in whichwe do this is by sacrificingourselves for the sake of his body.

Indeed, how can we say that welove Christ if we do not also lovehis body? But how can we reallylove the body of Christ if we are nothumble servants of one another? Itis nice to receive honour from one’sfellow brothers and sisters. Butwho, really, are the ones that wehonour in the communion of saints?We honour those who are mostgenerous and faithful in servingothers. It is through service thatwe obtain honour.

Our Saviour taught his disciplesthat he who would be first must belast and the servant of all. And HeHimself got down on his knees towash his disciples feet as a visibleexample of this teaching. The LordJesus received honour when He firsthumbled Himself, taking the form ofa servant and enduring the shameof the cross.

The Apostle Paul speaks of theexample that the Lord Jesus has setfor us in Philippians 2. Have thesame attitude as Christ Jesus, hesays, who did not seek his ownhonour but found it throughserving. We, too, will find honour inthe sight of God and of our fellowbelievers, if we are willing to behumble and to serve.

Being humble is not an easything. Especially if we have to be

humble for others who are nothumble. But the Lord requires this ofus as part of our sacrifice to Him.Throughout Scripture we see honourbeing given to the small, the weak,and the humble, because these arethe ones who can put their trust inGod rather than in themselves.

Yes, being humble is a matter offaith. Counting others better thanyourself is a matter of faith. In theeyes of the world it makes no sensefor us to follow the example ofChrist. From an earthly point ofview, what did Christ gain by hishumble service? He gained a deathon a cross. From an earthly point ofview what do we gain if we considerothers better than ourselves andgive way to their point of view or totheir needs?

But we do not judge things froman earthly point of view, we judgeby the eyes of faith. With the eyesof faith we see that humility hasgreat value. It has value for us andit has value for the communion ofsaints when we submit to oneanother and serve one another. Wealso see that God will reward thosewho are humble.

Humility comes before honour. Acongregation made up of trulyhumble members is a credit to theLord Jesus Christ who is the head ofthat congregation. It will also be ahappy congregation, whosemembers consider the needs of theirfellow believers ahead of their own.If everyone does this, then no one

Rev. D. DeBoer is ministerof the Canadian ReformedChurch atDunnville/Wainfleet, Ontariodavid.deboer@canrc.org

Treasures, New and OldD. DeBoer

MATTHEW 13:52Humility ComesBefore Honour

“Humility comes before honour.”

Proverbs 15:33b

78 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

This article was originally aspeech delivered at the SecondAnnual ECP Centre Conferencein Burlington, Ontario onNovember 12, 2005ECP = Equipping Christiansfor the Public Square

IntroductionToday I am going to briefly talk

about constitutions, interpretationof constitutions by judges andothers, and participation in thelegal/constitutional process ingeneral and by the ECP Centre –what has been achieved and tosome extent what we hopeto achieve.

Let me first tell you what I amnot going to do. I am not going togive a complete overview of thelaw in Canada on freedom ofreligion. There is some goodliterature available, particularlyfrom David Brown (for example,“Freedom From or Freedom For?:Religion as a Case Study inDefining the Content of CharterRights,” 33 U.B.C. Law Review 551),a constitutional expert and,among other things, the legalcounsel for Chris Kempling in hisappeal to the Supreme Court of

Canada, which I will touch onlater. My focus is not the politicalside, but the legal side and thebattle in the courts.

Let me tell you also who I amnot. I am not a constitutionalexpert. I do not profess to know allthe constitutional arguments andminutiae – there are experts onthose issues and I defer to them totry to make sense out of the caselaw we have in this country. I amnot sure that the case law in ourcountry makes sense; there ismuch inconsistency, evenbetween decisions of the highestcourt in our land, the SupremeCourt of Canada. I am not alitigator either – I do not go tocourt as an advocate.

However, this backgroundreflects in part who I am: I am afairly experienced lawyer; I havebeen a regulator; I articled for alawyer who later became aSupreme Court of Canada judge,John Sopinka (although I am surethe fact I articled for him hadnothing to do with him getting thejob!); and I have been an associateprofessor of law at Canada’slargest law school. I know lawyers,judges, law professors, and the

legal system and have workedwith them for a considerableperiod of time. I have come to theview that the legal system and itsparticipants have not assisted theChristian cause. On a personallevel, I am someone who believesthat in order to fully serve ourChristian mandate to glorify ourGod and serve Him, we have to beparticipants in the legal system.Political involvement, speeches,letters to the editor, and so forth arenot enough. We are in a war for ourGod and his soldiers also need todo battle in courts, using theweapons we have at our disposal.

Constitutions and theirinterpretation

I would like to start with twoexcerpts from the Canadianconstitution. In the preamble, thereoccurs this phrase: “WhereasCanada is founded upon principlesthat recognize the supremacy ofGod and the rule of law….” InSection 2(a), the Charter states,“Everyone has the followingfundamental freedoms – freedom ofconscience and religion.” Thissounds good so far, especially from

Rob Wildeboer

Igniting our Culture throughLegal Challenge and Defence:the Mandate and Objectiveof the ECP Centre andOther Thoughts (Part 1 of 2)

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 79

a Christian perspective. “Thesupremacy of God” is a goodsounding phrase and, coming froma country brought up in theChristian tradition, one may expectthat such a phrase refers to ourGod, the Christian God. “The ruleof law” sounds pretty good too. Weall like rules and law and orderseem like good things, also from aChristian perspective. “Freedom ofconscience and religion”provisions, representingfundamental freedoms, are very,very heart-warming on their face tothe Christian believer, implyingthat a Christian, or indeed anyreligious person, has the freedomto believe what he or she believesand to express it, not only privately,but publicly.

In sum, the basic wording of ourconstitution is something most canand would support, includingChristians. From the perspective ofa Christian believer, theconstitution itself is not a problem.The words sound good. But weneed more than wording for realprotection and the ability to act forGod’s glorification, also in thepublic square.

Let me make a few broadcomments, which I think arereflected in historical context.Constitutions, even though verynicely worded, and the law itself orthe rule of law itself, have notalways protected people, orpeople’s rights, that one wouldhave thought they are designed toprotect. For example:• The need to find fault before

conviction, part of Roman legalrights and the rule of law, didnot protect our Lord Jesus Christfrom the cross. Pilate stated hedid not find fault and yetdelivered Jesus up to crucifixionon the cross;

• The constitution of the SovietUnion was worded very nicely,as are most communistmanifestos, and yet the rights ofindividuals, especially in thereligious context, have not beenprotected;

• The application of the Germanconstitution and the rule of lawin Germany in the 1930s and1940s led to the finding that itwas permissible, evenmandated, under Germany’srule of law to send not onlyJews, but handicapped people,retarded people, Slavs, etc. tocamps for exterminationbecause, under legalinterpretation of those rules,such groups were not reallyAryans; that is, not reallypeople under the law, deservingof its protection;

• The American constitution is awonderfully worded documentalso. “All men are createdequal,” it says. But, in definingthat phrase, originally “men”did not include black men andlater I believe it only included apercentage of a black man. Formany years women weredenied the vote.

Constitutional wording is neverenough, the rule of law is neverenough. This is because theconstitution has to be interpreted.And words can always beambiguous. The reality is that

constitutions are interpreted bypeople; the law then reflects theviews of the people that do theinterpreting and how they aremotivated by the argumentsbefore them.

The interpretation of aconstitution and of rights

Judges interpret the law. Judgesare people and products of theirsociety. They reflect society andrespond to the cases broughtbefore them as people. Who is ajudge will ultimately helpdetermine constitutional rights andprotections. And not just judges,but regulators at first instance,such as commissioners of a humanrights tribunal.

That is why, for example, wehave seen in the United States ahuge debate on the makeup of theSupreme Court. President Bush hasbeen pushing for a moreconservative court, one which ismore likely to interpret theconstitution from a sociallyconservative perspective and, onemay suppose, Christianperspective. With one candidate in,another candidate dropped hernomination, in part because socialconservatives felt she may be softon abortion. After a furthernominee, a recognized socialconservative, was nominated, the

ChurchChurchNewsNews

Called by the church ofGrandValley,Ontario:

Rev. P.G. Feenstra

of Owen Sound,Ontario.

Called by the church ofAttercliffe,Ontario:

Rev. J. Huijgen

of Burlington-Waterdown,Ontario.

The legal system and itsparticipants have notassisted the Christiancause

80 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

battle lines have been drawn.Americans know that who judgesis critical to constitutionalprotection and religious freedom.

Canadian judges are nodifferent, despite manyprotestations to the contrary. Andwhy would they be? People arepeople and judges are judges.The same issues being debated inthe U.S. context apply in Canadaas well.

Let me share with you a storyfrom my law school days. I heardthis from my tax professor, whotold it to the class, so in my view itis in the public domain. He was aclerk to a Supreme Court ofCanada Justice, a respectedSupreme Court judge. A case camebefore the court, a negligencecase, where the parents of aparalyzed young boy hit by a carwhen his toboggan crossed theroad were arguing the driver of thecar was negligent. The parentshad lost at trial and on appeal;the driver was clearly not

negligent. He had been driving hiscar on the road and theunfortunate boy’s toboggan hadcome into his path. Clearly anaccident, albeit a tragic one. Thecase made it before the SupremeCourt. My professor, a student atthe time, had to do the researchand concluded that it was clear thedriver was not negligent,consistent with the views of thelower courts. His boss, the judge,

sent him to do more research,looking at case law throughout theCommonwealth to see if there wasa principle of law that would holdthe driver negligent – it seems like

there may be a theory ofnegligence here, he thought. Myprofessor went back – nothing;clearly, no negligence. The judgesaid there must be a theory ofnegligence. My professor said,“You don’t understand – there is nolaw to support fault here.” Hisboss stated, “No, it is you whodoes not understand – if there isno liability, this poor boy will growup with a terrible life and theinsurance company can pay to fixthat.” The result: a finding ofnegligence and liability. Note thatthis occurred in the times prior tono fault insurance.

I have never forgotten that storyand everything I have seen sincesupports that basic view. Hardfacts may make bad law, but it isclear that the personal views of thejudges of the results of theirdecisions are relevant to themaking of the decision itself. Thepersonal element will affectdecisions. Judges are people andare affected by their views of thefacts. They are often active inpromoting their own perspectives.Many of you have heard of“judicial activism.”

In many cases, first comes theconclusion and then comes thereasoning. This happens much,much too often. Members of thelegal system often deny this. Buthow else can differing decisionsbe explained, especially wheninterpreting constitutionalrights under the sameconstitutional wording?

Constitutions areinterpreted by people; thelaw then reflects the viewsof the people that do theinterpreting

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 81

By now it has become a regularroutine to review the localbulletins sent my way. Receivingthem electronically is efficient andenables for a timely review.

What stood out over the pastweeks was the repeated mention ofchurch building projects at variousstages. I will list them inchronological order.

On November 25, the church atSmithers had an official dedicationof their new worship facilities.From other pieces gleaned fromtheir bulletin, they have wasted notime in making the building a busyplace for all the congregationalactivities. Undoubtedly thisbuilding will not only serve thecongregation well but also providea better venue for the forthcomingsynod to be convened in Smithersin May of 2007.

In Grassie, the congregationwas able to meet for worship intheir new building for the first timeon December 3, 2006. Rev. S.C.Van Dam wrote,

Today we may worship in ournew building for the first time!How good the Lord has been tous in making this possible insuch a relatively short time. Allthe hard work by so many in ourmidst has paid off and just over

a year after the groundbreaking ceremony, we maymeet together in our newchurch. What a tremendousblessing! It is wonderful to beable to have our own place ofworship and more suitabletimes for worship. May we alsoshow our thanks to God for thisand not take it for granted. Letus never forget what being thechurch of Jesus Christ is allabout. He alone is thecornerstone. The churchthroughout the generations isnot made of brick and mortarbut of people bound together inthe unity of the true faith.

From other information it is clearthat the whole project is not quitefinished, especially in thelandscaping department. Thisprompted the chairman of thebuilding committee to relate a fewrules on behalf of the buildingcommittee a few weeks later: “Rulenumber one! PLEASE refrain fromwalking around the building sincethere is no grass yet and as someare not aware. . . mud tends to stickto shoes, then once inside a cleanbuilding, seems to release itselffrom shoes without notice. PleaseDo not walk in the building if youhappen to miss rule number one.”

I suspect that many a caretakerwill be tempted to cut out that ruleand post it near the door of thechurch building.

Finally, on the other end of thebuilding spectrum, the church at St.Albert met on December 21 todiscuss purchasing a property. Itturns out to have been a successfulmeeting as it was stated, “Havingheard the brothers and sisters,council has decided to proceedwith this property, according to theresolution that was voted upon.May God grant his blessing onour plans!”

Reading these reports, it isreason to rejoice with the churchesat Smithers and Grassie as theycould begin using their newfacilities and the church at St.Albert for having made theconcrete step of obtaining propertyfor building.

From time to time, the pastoralcolumns contain more than thenormal updates on what ishappening in the congregation.While meant for very concretesituations, some of the thoughtsare worthwhile to be read by morethan just the local congregation asthey are valid in many differentsituations. Three examples follow,

E. Kampen

What’s New???Rev. E. Kampen is minister ofthe Canadian ReformedChurch at Orangeville, Ontarioeric.kampen@canrc.org

82 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

two of which are left anonymous asthe points raised are very general.

First, one minister wrote, “It hascome to my attention that the goingto and fro from the auditorium ishappening far too frequently. Let usremember that we aregathered for reverent worship, notfor a casual get-together. Doensure, if at all possible, that thefacilities are used before theservice rather than during it.”Second, another minister wrote,

Just as an aside, as your pastorand preacher I notice that manyof us do not consider the time ofgiving of “Christian offeringsfor the poor” (as the Catechismcalls the collections) part of theworship service. As soon as thedeacons stand up to take thecollection, all sorts ofconversation and chatter risesup. Perhaps for those 3 or 4minutes we should quietly andthankfully reflect on the giftsGod has given us, instead ofengaging in all kinds of

conversation. The giving ofChristian offerings is part of ourworship of our heavenly Godand Father, and should be donein a worshipful way.

The third example is takenfrom the bulletin of CarmanWest. Rev. Pol wrote,

In response to a questionraised in regard to publicprayer, here is a clarificationthat may be helpful for morepeople. If you have a personalissue or event that you wouldlike remembered in publicprayer, please bring this to theattention of your ward elder orthe minister. It is difficult forconsistory to respond to aprayer request coming fromsomeone who feels that aprayer should be offered forsomeone else if whoever that“someone else” may be has notpersonally requested this. Somepeople prefer to keep things “inthe family” and do not requestpublic prayer. Or they prefer to

wait first and determine when aparticular matter should bemade public. They would bequite offended if at someoneelse’s instigation, their personalaffairs would be made publicwithout their knowledge andconsent. Of course, this alsoapplies to matters for theManitoba Church News! Do notassume that just because somepeople know somethingpersonal about someone that itshould therefore be publicized.

One might argue that none of thesethree items constitute “news.” Atthe same time, it may be new tosome. Furthermore, the commentsare meant for edification. As such,reading them will serve ourongoing renewal.

As it is time to wrap up it up, Iinvite any congregation that hasnot yet started sending the localbulletins, to please consider doingso. The email address iseric.kampen@canrc.org. Till nexttime, the Lord willing.

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 83

Have you ever come to the crossroads of good andevil? When we reach a point like this in our lives, ourminds may be busy deciding what to do. Can we justnot do some things that are not too evil? Will Godreally be so angry with us? Let us work through thesequestions and see what this text teaches us.

When we read this proverb, it shows us how theways of the Lord have different effects on differentpeople. This effect depends on whether there is faithor not. We can then see here how the ways of the Lordare like a two-edged sword.

The Word of God is not simply a collection of wordsfrom God; it is living words, life changing anddynamic as it works in us. God’s Word reveals who weare and what lives within us, both good and evil.

As we read in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have ahigh priest who is unable to sympathize with ourweaknesses, but we have one who has been temptedin every way, just as we are – yet without sin.” Heknows the many temptations that we face each andevery day. He knows them for He has experiencedthem throughout his life as a human being, yetwithout sinning. He shows us that when we stand atthe crossroads of good and evil we may not fall intosin. We must follow Christ’s example.

The covenant ways of the Lord can easily belearned from the Bible. We can see the blessings, butalso the curses. A faithful child of the Lord can indeedfind a refuge, a hiding place in the God of thecovenant. The Lord’s promises of forgiveness of sinsand life everlasting are most true and trustworthybecause of the blood of his Son Jesus Christ. God’schildren can safely hide under the everlasting wingsof God’s love and care which He has spread out overhis people.

Yet the ways of the Lord will be terrible for thosewho insist on disobeying Him and choosing the roadto evil. Destruction comes to those who turn theirbacks on Him.

Truly, the way of the covenant does not change.Those who live by faith will be saved but those whodo not will perish everlastingly. “Let us then approach

the throne of grace with confidence, so that we mayreceive mercy and find grace to help us in our time ofneed” (Heb 4:16).

Blest be the LORD of my salvation,For He has heard my supplication.He is my strength, my shield forever;I trust in Him, He fails me never.So I am helped. Exult, my heart,To Him your joyful songs impart.

Psalm 28:4Birthdays in February:24 FRED LUDWIG will be 55

653 Broad Street West, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 1T8

Birthdays in March:

3 TREVOR HOFSINK will be 29C106 8920 165th Street, Edmonton, AB T5R 2R9

10 JAMES BOONE will be 111020 Abbeydale Drive, NE, Calgary, AB T2A 6H5

12 GERRY EELHART will be 45C/O Mr. & Mrs. Peter Eelhart# 305, 10041-149 Street, “Summit Village”Edmonton, AB T5P 4V7

15 JIM VANDERHEIDEN will be 48653 Broad Street West, Dunnville, ON N1A 1T8

18 ROSELYN KUIK will be 3368 Lynn Lake Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2C 4N7

Congratulations to all of you celebrating abirthday. May our heavenly Father grant you allenjoyable days together with your family and friends.Continue to place your hope and trust in Him alone.

Till next month,Mrs. C. Gelms and Mrs. E. Nordeman

548 Kemp Road EastRR 2, Beamsville, ON LOR 1B2

905-563-0380

Ray of SunshineRay of SunshineBy Mrs. Corinne Gelms and Mrs. Erna Nordeman

“The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous,but it is the ruin of those who do evil.”

Proverbs 10:29

84 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

On April 15, 2006, the CanadianReformed Church at Smithers,British Columbia celebrated itsfiftieth anniversary. What ablessing this was! In preparationfor this big day, a beautifulcommemorative book was puttogether by several ladies of thechurch. This book includes asummary of events over the lastfifty years as well as manyphotographs. It contains familyand group pictures and personalcontributions consisting ofillustrated stories of foundingfamilies and former ministers. (81pages, full colour, bound; copiesavailable for $10 plus shipping bycontacting Judy Hofsink at 250-847-9364 or sunnysidehill@telus.net).

Prior to the formal eveningservice that commemorated thisspecial day, a fellowshipcelebration was held at EbenezerSchool in the afternoon. At theschool we enjoyed dressing in1950s period clothing, watching arevolving PowerPoint presentationand movies of the olden days, andthe camaraderie of fellow brothersand sisters in Christ. Games werehosted for the young kids and apotluck supper filled thegymnasium to its maximum.

Our current pastor, Rev. JuliusVanSpronsen, opened the formalevening celebrations by reading

Psalm 124. He explained how thisPsalm is relevant for every churchservice as well as a celebrationsuch as this because “if the Lordhad not been on our side. . . theywould have swallowed us alive.”Many children’s children’s children(i.e. third generation) were sharingthis evening with theirgrandparents who had foundedthe church. This would not havebeen possible if the Lord had notbeen on our side! Thecongregation has had to face itsweaknesses and the communityalso sees this. At times it may havefelt as though “the flood would

have engulfed us,” but we werealways reminded that “our help isin the name of the Lord, the Makerof heaven and earth.”

The Smithers church haschanged in many ways since itsinstitution on April 15, 1956. Therewere forty members at the time ofinstitution as compared to almost400 today. The first presentationacknowledged an aspect of thefifty years that hasn’t changed. Ofthe forty original members, eightwere in attendance at this eveningand seven of them are stillmembers in Smithers today! Torecognize the special part that

T. Penninga

Jubilee Celebration atSmithers CanadianReformed Church

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 85

these eight members have playedin the development of thecongregation, a painting was givento each that depicted the firstchurch and our current church withthe backdrop of the beautifulBulkley Valley surrounding thechurches.

The second presentation was askit performed by the Women’sSociety to share some of thechanges that have occurred overthe fifty years. Back then it was aLadies Auxiliary, then it became aBible Study, and finally DeborahWomen’s Society. A review of theminutes of the early years (all inDutch) indicated that the ladieswere sent a kind note to say thesweaters and knitted hempes couldnot be used by Mission Aid Brazil!It was also dutifully noted in theminutes that they now had enoughmoney to move from instant coffeeto real coffee grounds! Today, theladies take water to meetings,nursing mothers bring their babies,minutes are recorded on thecomputer, and the Internet is usedas a research aid. How timeshave changed!

The audience was also treatedto some excellent music includinga performance from the elementaryschool children, an organ solo, anda piano duet.

The last portion of the programwas an opportunity for guests tospeak some congratulatory words.A representative of the SmithersMinisterial Association remindedus that fifty years is a testimony to

faithfulness, unity, and growth – towhat God has done for us.

Next, the Mayor of Smithersexplained why he thought thestatement that Smithers is acommunity with “too manychurches” was actually a verypositive thing and that Smithers isvery blessed to have so manychurches. He said the originalfamilies came to new land, theycame with the gift of Jesus Christ,and they left a lasting legacy – thechurch. He shared how hepersonally knows many of thefamilies in the congregation andwas thankful for how we havebecome part of the community. Heended by quoting from Philippians4:8, 9, “Whatever is true. . . noble. . .right. . . pure. . . lovely. . .admirable – if anything isexcellent or praiseworthy – thinkabout such things. Whatever youhave learned or received or heardfrom me, or seen in me – put it into

practice. And the God of peace willbe with you.”

The last two speakers wererepresentatives of the local UnitedReformed Churches who testifiedas to how the churches have grownin love and respect for each otherthrough the local unity talks. It wastheir prayer that we may have fullunity with them one day.

What a great privilege it was tohear so many wonderful wordsspoken during this portion of theprogram and indeed throughoutthe entire evening!

Finally, Rev. B. J. Berends, aformer minister, recounted some ofhis own experiences in Smithersand then closed the evening inprayer.

During this joyful time ofreminiscing it became very clearthat the Lord has been faithful tohis covenant promises – also to hischildren here in Smithers.

86 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

The Reformed CurriculumDevelopment Committee (RCDC)meets twice annually as stipulatedin its mandate. At its November 23,2006 meeting, the RCDC receivedseveral reports on activitiesconducted on its behalf. This pressrelease is intended to provide youwith a brief overview of theactivities, decisions, and plans ofthe RCDC and its subcommittee,the Curriculum CooperativeCommittee (CCC).

The K-12 social studiescurriculum developmentproject

Three summers in the making,this project was finally completedduring this past summer, whenwriters developed the third stageof its development. As you mayrecall, the writing team made useof a curriculum design thatdevelops curriculum in threestages: stage 1 deals withformulating desiredunderstandings; that is, what is itwe want the students to know anddo. Stage 2 deals with assessingwhat the students are to learn anddo. The teaching and learningactivities comprise the third stageof this design. Each stage took thewriters a summer week in July tocomplete. The RCDC is grateful forthe cooperation from manyCanadian Reformed schools

across the country. The curriculumwriters expended many hours onthis effort.

The socials project wascoordinated by the CCC, as are allRCDC-sponsored curricularprojects. As part of the project’simplementation, the CCCorganized an orientation to thiscurriculum development byhosting an orientation session justbefore the start of the new schoolyear (August 31, 2006). This wasreceived with enthusiasm andappreciation. Many found thecurricular model used to be veryclear and purposeful. The CCC willbe working on furtherimplementation strategies as wellas on review of implementation atschools.

Feedback was also receivedfrom the Curriculum Assistance forReformed Education committee(CARE), the CCC counterpart inOntario. This committee hasstudied our document in quitesome detail and has forwarded usits observations and comments.

A professional resourcecentre

As approved by the RCDC at itsMarch 3, 2006 meeting, the CCChas installed a few shelves in theCCES building location. This sitewill function as a resource forvalley-wide Canadian Reformed

schools. As the title suggests, theresource centre contains books,periodicals, videos, DVDs, andcopies of RCDC curricular projects.These are available upon requestfrom staff members.

The RCDC has also approvedthe creation of an RCDC website tomake all RCDC materialsaccessible to interested parties,password accessible and mostly as“read only.”

Church history projectThis project is mainly the work

of authors Mr. A. Nap and Mr. P.Torenvliet, who, under the auspicesof the RCDC, have been busy withthe writing of a church historyseries, The Flame of the Word,geared primarily for the grade 4-7grade levels. The series iscomprised of three volumes, eachdealing with main events andactivities in the history of thechurch, covering material fromPentecost to the twenty-firstcentury. Volume two is actuallysplit into two books. The authorsare now working on the lastvolume in this series. Each volumeis accompanied by an elaborateand beneficial teacher’s manual,which has proven to be extremelyhelpful for teachers of this course.While they are happy to report thatmany of our schools across thecountry have now purchased class

Education Matters

Press Release:A Progress Report on theActivities of the ReformedCurriculum Development Committee,November 23, 2006

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 87

sets of the first two volumes, theauthors keep being challenged bytime, as both are busy with theirother commitments.

The RCDC is grateful for theblessings upon this project andencourages its authors topersevere under challengingconditions. The RCDC alsoinforms all readers and supportersof our schools that The Flame ofthe Word is available atVanderHeide Publishing and atAnchor Books. Especially parentsof our students are encouraged toobtain these books. Not onlycan they themselves learn fromthis material, but they can alsoread and study along withtheir children.

Narration courseThis is a course that was

developed by Mr. Nap and Mr.

Torenvliet almost fifteen yearsago. It has been offered to ourvalley schools twice and in otherCanadian Reformed schoolsjurisdictions. Over the years, thiscourse has acquired globalrecognition. In its November 23,2006 report, we were informedthat Mr. Nap and Mr. Torenvliethad traveled to South Africa (lateJune/early July, 2006) to presenttheir story-telling course andhave been asked to come back fora second run. In January of 2007,Mr. Nap is scheduled to teach itin Mexico. There is also thepossibility for a session inSurinam, where the EvangelicalSchool for Theology inParamariba would like to givethe story-telling and churchhistory a higher profile. All thisglobe-trotting demands muchtime and energy, not only in

travel but also in formulatingpresentations meaningful tothe area.

ConclusionThe above demonstrates again

to us that God has richly blessedus. He has given people gifts to beused for his Kingdom. We aregrateful for these gifts and we askthat you continue to pray forwisdom and strength in ourendeavours. Pray that we maintainour focus on God’s calling to fulfillour cultural mandate.

The Education Matters column issponsored by the Canadian ReformedTeachers' Association East. Anyonewishing to respond to an articlewritten or willing to write an article iskindly asked to send materials toClarion or to Otto Bouwmanobouwman@cornerstoneschool.us

Press Release for theCombined Meeting of theBoard and Committee ofAdministration, Inter-LeaguePublication Board, December13, 2006

The chairman of the Board,Mike Vandeburgt, opened themeeting in a Christian manner andall were welcomed.

Present were the following. Forthe board, representing the Leagueof Men’s Societies in Ontario, JohnSchutten and Mike Vandeburgt.Representing the League ofWomen’s Societies in Ontario, MaryDeBoer and Betsy Kingma. For theCommittee of Administration(CoA), Paul DeBoer, Cathy Jonker,Brian Jager, Annette Nobel, andDebbie Swaving. Theresa Westrikwas absent with notification.

The agenda was established.The marketing report prepared

by Theresa Westrik was presented.All the representatives in eachcongregation have recentlyreceived a newsletter with anupdate on new materials. The ILPBDirect Book Club is growing slowlyand Theresa will continue topublicize it to encouragemembership. The web page(www.spindleworks.com/ILPB) willbe updated as needed.

Debbie Swaving updated themeeting with sales figures for thelast year. In the last six months1,724 books were sold.

Cathy Jonker gave a progressreport indicating the progress ofvarious books being worked on. Anew translator is now available.Since the last meeting a workbookon James by Rev. Schouten has

become available. Thecommentary on 2 Corinthians byRev. Selles has been reprinted.

Brian Jager presented thefinancial statements. The financialsituation is good, even though salesare a little down. There are sufficientfunds to print some new books.

Information for the yearbook ofthe churches was reviewed foraccuracy. The board will discussways to recommend otherReformed study guides that are notprinted by the ILPB. The boardupdated the CoA on books beingreviewed for publication.Possibilities for book reviews in acouple of Reformed magazineswere discussed.

Question period was held.The press release was approvedand the meeting was closedwith prayer.

Press Release

88 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

Whatever Happened to Truth?Andreas Kostenberger, Ed.,(Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway)Additional information: Paperback;173 pages; $20.00 CDN

In our postmodern world, thenotion of truth as conveying what isfactually accurate and trustworthyhas come under considerablepressure. The idea of truth hasbecome subjective. The pragmaticcredo of many is that whateverworks for me is true. Postmodernismdoes not like to hear of absolutetruth. To meet the challenge ofchanging conceptions of truth, theEvangelical Theological Societyorganized its 2004 Annual Meetingunder the theme “What is Truth?”The four plenary addresses thatcame out of those meetings havenow been made available in print.There is much to learn and reflecton in this book.

In the first chapter, AndreasKostenberger examines Pilate’squestion, “What is truth?” withinthe context of the gospel of Johnand the entire Scripture. In theprocess he underlines some of thebiblical perspectives on truth suchas that truth is embodied in theperson and work of Christ (John14:6) and in his ongoing work in theworld today. Kostenberger’s carefulexegesis and his stressing that thetruth is the gospel of salvationwhich is found only in Jesus is anecessary and welcome emphasisin an age that derides absolutes.

Next, R. Albert Mohleraddresses the issue from a culturalperspective. After showing how ourculture dislikes absolutes andstruggles with the loss of objectivemeaning, he underlines howChristians should be deeplyconcerned about the challengepostmodernism presents. However,

he also sees reason for hope.Postmodernism is inwardlycontradictory as it too needs a firmbeginning point which is notsubject to doubt. Furthermore,postmodernism is not sustainablesince no one can live without someunderstanding of truth ascorresponding to reality. Mohlercorrectly asserts that the way out ofthe dilemmas brought about bypostmodernism is to recognize andunderstand that God has revealedHimself to us in the Bible. He hasspoken to us in language we canunderstand and we can haveconfidence that what He says istrue. The Bible is God’s speaking tous. We can never fathom God’struth in an exhaustive way but weaccept that divine revelation is thesource of all truth. Althoughpostmodernism urges us to doubt,we must never affirm less thanwhat is asserted in the creeds,confessions, and doctrinalstatements of the church. Mohlerends his paper with a call to meetthe challenge of our culture with asolid reaffirmation of biblical truth.

J.P. Moreland approaches thetopic of the nature of truth as aphilosopher. His refutation ofpostmodernism is tightly arguedand strongly worded because theburden of what is at stake rightlyweighs heavily upon him. Hisarguments are not easilyoverturned. He concludes with acall to arms, especially for thosecalled to be teachers and scholarsto serve the church and indeed alsothe unbelieving world. We are todefend and impart truth andknowledge of it. He warns that “notonly are postmodern views of truthand knowledge confused, butpostmodernism is an immoral andcowardly viewpoint that peoplewho love truth and knowledge,

especially disciples of the LordJesus, should do everything theycan to heal” (p. 76).

The fourth address entitled“Lost in Interpretation? Truth,Scripture, and Hermeneutics” is byKevin J. Vanhoozer. It is a fittingclimax to the book since it is anexcellent and patient grapplingwith the issues of truth thatreading the Bible in postmoderntimes evokes. He draws no hasty,cheap conclusions but carefullydistinguishes the issues at stake.He clearly shows, for example, thelimitations of simply relying on theidea of inerrancy to describe theauthority of Scripture. His desire torehabilitate the usage of the terminfallibility is commendable (Cf.“this infallible rule,” BC, Art 7).Although one may quibble aboutthe way some issues are expressedor formulated, reading hisdiscussion is most stimulating andrewarding. Due to the nature of thecase, it will of course not be thelast word. The debate on the properway to interpret Scripture willcontinue, but those who have readthis contribution (and his otherwritings) will be better equipped tomeet the current challenges.

The editor concludes thisworthwhile volume with anappropriate epilogue which pullstogether the major themes ofthe book.

Book ReviewReviewed by C. Van Dam

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 89

Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His,we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:3

We thank the Lord, our Heavenly Father, who again blessed usrichly with one of His covenant children, another son

whom we have namedLUCAS ELIJAHLUCAS ELIJAH

Born on September 26, 2006A little brother for Caitlin Sophia, Emma Rachelle

and Benjamin MitchellThe 26th grandchild for Sophia Leffers

Matthew and Bonnie Tassie (nee Leffers)10033-173 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5X 3Y1

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Hymn 6The Lord has blessed our family by entrusting to our care

another of His children, a precious baby girlJAYMEE ALICEJAYMEE ALICE

Born January 17, 2007Excited big sisters: Tylyn Ranelda and Kendra RitanyDon and Terri-Lynn Vandersluis (nee Schulenberg)

Proud grandparents: Rita SchulenbergGerry and Alice Vandersluis

Box 75, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

With great joy and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father,we announce the birth of

MARIA FAITHMARIA FAITHA sister for James and LeahGary and Jackie Smid

4148 Guyatt Road W., Binbrook, ON L0R 1C0

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward fromHim. Psalm127:3

With praise and thanksgiving to the LORD, the giver of life,we joyfully announce the birth of our first son

RYAN EDWARDRYAN EDWARDon the 5th of January 2007

A brother for Emma and JuliaRobert and Melinda Span

58 Henderson Crescent, Alliston, ON L9R 1Y4

Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to Your Name be the glory, because ofYour love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

With joy and thanksgiving to our LORD, we announce the birth ofour daughter

JOSETTE WILHELMINA BREUKELMANJOSETTE WILHELMINA BREUKELMANBorn December 19, 2006

Brian and Tonya BreukelmanA granddaughter for Simon and Betty Breukelman and

Pieter and Willemien Torenvliet2402 Parkfront Drive, Unit E, Fort Collins, CO 80525

brianb@breukelmandesign.com

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Advertisements:Advertisements:Announcements of Weddings, Anniversaries (with OpenHouse) should be submitted six weeks in advance.

Clarion Advertisements

BIRTHS

ENGAGEMENTS

WEDDINGS

90 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

1977 ~ February 11 ~ 2007For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness

continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5With much thankfulness to our Heavenly Father, we joyfully

announce the 30th Wedding Anniversary of ourparents and grandparents

ARIEARIE andand LOIS MUISLOIS MUIS (nee Oosterhoff)(nee Oosterhoff)Congratulations Dad and Mom, Opa and Oma!

May the Lord continue to bless you in the coming years.Dunnville, ON: Jeremy and Melissa Muis

AnnikaSmithville, ON: Shawn MuisFenwick, ON: Melanie and Phil Glasbergen

EthanSmithville, ON: Dwayne Muis and Nicole Ludwig

6341 Townline Road, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

1982 ~ March 26 ~ 2007“Unless the Lord will build the house….”

With thankfulness to the Lord, we joyfully announce the25th Wedding Anniversary of our parents

STANSTAN andand SHELLEY VANDENBOSSHELLEY VANDENBOS (nee Lof)(nee Lof)Hamilton, ON: Sharalee and Fred DeWitCaledonia, ON: Jonathan

ChristiRachelDavidKimberly

You are welcome to join us in at an Open House on Friday,March 30, 2007 from 7:00-10:00 pm, D.V., in the Cornerstone

Canadian Reformed Church in Hamilton.(Best wishes only please)

Mailing address: 995 Haldimand Road 66, Caledonia, ON N3W 1P6

February 8, 1989 – January 13, 2007On Wednesday, January 17, 2007, while all of Southern Ontario

glistened in a thick layer of ice, we had the sad dutyto lay to rest, at the young age of 17, our beloved grandson,

nephew and cousin

DANIEL JOSEPH VAN SPRONSENDANIEL JOSEPH VAN SPRONSENDan fought a courageous eight month battle against cancerand was able to witness to many about his Lord and Saviour.

May the Lord surround in His loving care Dan’s parentsMaurice and Lorraine and his siblings Andrew,

Alisha and her boyfriend Tyler Blokker, Jonathan, Jordan, Luke,Lorissa and also Dan’s girlfriend Kaitlin Buitenwerf.

He will be missed by all of us.John and Joanne DeBoer

James and Simone DeBoerJustin and Anne DeBoerScott, David DeBoer and Lindsey Dekker,Rachel, Colin

Fred and Joyce BosscherDarryl and Emily BosscherBrian, Michael, Greg, Thomas, Kevin

Dave and Nancy ElgersmaRandy Elgersma and Emily TorenvlietBlake, Leah, Kara

Frank and Sandra DeBoerJoshua, Cailyn, Evan

Jason and Debra BouwmanJosina, Jamie, Jackson, Jewel

Dan’s chosen text: 3 John :11Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does

what is evil has not seen God.Van Spronsen address:

4630 John Street, Beamsville, Ontario L0R 1B1

After a lengthy illness, the Lord in His infinite wisdom tookHome to Himself our dearly loved stepdaughter, sister,

sister-in-law and aunt

THERESA VEENENDAAL (VANSYDENBORGH)THERESA VEENENDAAL (VANSYDENBORGH)May the Lord give Gerald and his family all they need

in the days ahead.Psalm 121

Grace VanSydenborgh (deBeer)Wayne and Helen VanSydenborghPiet and Els NijenhuisAlbert and Nelly VanSydenborghGus and Freddie VeenendaalEric and Grace StievaSteve and Anne VanderMolenBill and Rhea Muisnephews and nieces�� ��

ANNIVERSARIES OBITUARIES

50th Wedding AnniversaryFebruary 27, 1957 ~ February 27, 2007

HERMANHERMAN andand JANE WOLTJERJANE WOLTJERWe would like to announce with heartfelt thanks to the

Lord, the 50th Wedding Anniversary of our dear parents[also known as Harm Alje and Jantje].

The Lord has greatly blessed them during their 50 years ofmarriage. We would like to celebrate with an Open House

on Saturday, March 3, 2007 from 7-9 pm at the LangleyCanadian Reformed Church.

Best wishes only please.From their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

Advertise in

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 91

TEACHING POSITIONS

OBITUARIES

July 23, 1989 – December 21, 2006The Lord has taken up into His heavenly glory suddenly, but in

His time, our dear nephew

MATHEW FREDERICK BOSMATHEW FREDERICK BOSBeloved son of Edward and Patricia Bos

and dear brother of Bradley and the late Christopher.

Donald and Tiena BosIetie and Adrian KosterJohn and Carol BosRichard and Margaret BosRennie and John LindeRicki and Fred BosJeanie and Art VanderVeldeTina and John Dekker

We were comforted with the words of Isaiah 40:6-8 at thefuneral service, Rev. Souman officiated.

Edward Bos6240 Young Street, RR 3, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

JOHN CALVIN SCHOOL320 Station Street, PO Box 280, Smithville, ON L0R 2A0

“The Heart of the Niagara Peninsula”As the result of a major expansion, John Calvin School now

boasts 14 classrooms, new offices and staff room, not tomention a large, new gymnasium with state-of-the-artkitchen attached. Current enrolment is 264. We may be

looking for teachers in any of the three divisions.Therefore the Board and Education Committee ofJOHN CALVIN SCHOOL invites applications from

QUALIFIED TEACHERSfor the school year 2007-2008. Enquiries about and

applications for these positions are encouraged.Please contact the Principal, Mr. F.C. Ludwig,

for further information, at(905) 957-2341 School or (905) 957-3111 Home

Applications and resumés may be faxed directly to the schoolat (905) 957-2342, to the attention of the Principal,

or addressed to:The Education Committeec/o Mr. D. Bos, Secretary

2106 Highway 20, PO Box 145, St. Ann’s, ON L0R 1Y0

Credo Christian Elementary School (Langley, BC) invitesapplications for the following possible positions:

- A KINDERGARTEN TEACHER(50% full time equivalent)

- A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER(60% full time equivalent)- A PRIMARY TEACHER(full time), grade 3 level

for the 2007/08 school year, with duties commencing thelast week of August, 2007.

The successful applicants must be BC teacher certifiable.For more information contact the principal,Mr. J.A. Roukema: 604-530-1131 (school);

604-856-0544 (home); or ccesprincipal@telus.netApplications should be sent to:

Credo Christian Elementary School21919 – 52 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 2M7

Attercliffe Canadian Reformed Elementary Schoolin Attercliffe, Ontario, invites applications for a

possible TEACHING POSITIONin the upper elementary grades.

(Being able to teach French at these levels would be an asset.)

Please direct your application to theChairman of the Education Committee, Mr. Henry Kelly,

and send it to A.C.R.E.S.75785 Canborough Road, RR 1, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 2W1

Applications should includea philosophy of education and references.

For further information, contact the principal,Mr. Edward Slaa, at

905-774-9009 or 905-701-0696 (home)or email at acres@kwic.com

NEEDED1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

1 ELEMENTARY / JUNIOR HIGH TEACHERDue to the happy circumstance of significant growth

projections, the Board of the Covenant Canadian ReformedSchool at Neerlandia invites applications for 2 teachers for

the 2007–08 school year.Applicants must be confessing members of the CanadianReformed Church or a sister church and must possess a

Bachelor of Education degree.

We are a rural K-12 school with a projected 2007 studentenrolment of 170.

Perks include mostly 4 day work weeks, a good benefitspackage, small class sizes, a terrific staff, a supportive

membership and Board, and a low cost of living within anhour drive of big city conveniences.

Inquiries should be directed toHarry VanDelden, principal, at:

School: (780) 674-4774, Home: (780) 674-3704e-mail: hvd@xplornet.comApplications should be sent

attention: Mrs. Sonya Van LeeuwenCovenant Canadian Reformed SchoolPO Box 67, Neerlandia, AB T0G 1R0

92 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

The Board of the Canadian Reformed School Society, Hamilton,Ontario operating the Timothy Christian School in Hamilton

invites applications from qualified teachers to fill thefollowing positions, commencing August 2007.

1 (possible) ELEMENTARY TEACHER (maternity leave position)1 SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER1 PART TIME FRENCH TEACHER

For more information, please contact the principal,Mr. H. Plug

Phone School: 905 385 3953Home: 905 574 6498; Fax: 905 385 8073

Email: hplug@timothyschool.orgApplications to be sent to:

Education Committee c/o Timothy Christian School430 East 25th Street, Hamilton ON L8V 3B4

The Owen Sound Canadian Reformed School Society invitesapplications for a full-time

TEACHING POSITIONin the elementary grades for the 2007-2008 school year.

Duties to commence in August of 2007.Our school is located in the countryside in the beautiful OwenSound area about 2 hours northwest of Toronto. Our small and

growing school currently has 58 students in grades 1-8.If you are interested in this position or have any questions

about this position or about the school, please contact:Diane Jonker, principal

(519)371-4498 (school); (519)371-4847 (home)jjonker@wightman.ca

Please submit applications toOSCRS Education Committee

c/o James GunninkRR 4, Chatsworth, ON N0H 1G0

jj_gunnink@sympatico.ca

Guido de Brès Christian High School – Hamilton, OntarioDue to possible staff retirements and an increase in

enrollment, we requireFULL OR PART-TIME TEACHERS

Preferences will be given for applicants with qualifications inthe following areas:

Geography / Mathematics / ScienceCandidates with other qualifications will also be considered.

All positions would commence September 1, 2007.For further information, please contact the principal,

Mr. J.G. (Hans) VanDooren at school.Telephone: 905-574-4011, Fax: 905-574-8662

E-mail: gdb@bellnet.caLetters of application should include university and teaching

qualifications, two letters of reference, and a statement aboutyour view of Christian education.

Mail to:Guido de Brès Christian High School

Education CommitteeBox 30013, 1576 Upper James Street, Hamilton, ON L9B 1K0

The EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETY of Fergus,Guelph and district invites applications for possible

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHING POSITIONSfor the 2007-2008 school year

Duties to commence August 1, 2007.Our school is located in a picturesque southern Ontario town,where one would be close to rural life and at the same time

close to major urban areas. The school currently has 120students in grades 9 through 12.

If you are interested in teaching at our school, or have anyquestions about aspects of the positions or of the school,

please contact one of the following for more information, orsubmit your resume to the following address:

Mr. Henk Nobel, principal(519) 843-3029(work);(519) 843-1790 (home)

Mr. Andrew Mulder, Education committee chair(519) 780-1060

Applications to be addressed to:Emmanuel Christian High School

c/o Education CommitteeRR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

Dufferin Area Christian School near Orangeville, Ontario,offers grades K-8 and has a current enrolment of 124 students

with relatively small single-grade primary classes.DACS invites applications for the following positions for the

2007 - 2008 school yearPRIMARY TEACHER

LEARNING ASSISTANCE TEACHER (part time)For further information, please contact the chairman of the

board, Mr. Ed Groen at 519-928-3453, or the principal,Mr. Keith Sikkema at

519-941-4368 (school) or 519-928-3412 (home).Please email your resume and application to dacs@on.aibn.com

to the attention of the principal, or send it toDufferin Area Christian School

c/o Education CommitteeGeneral Delivery, Laurel, ON L0N 1L0

The Canadian Reformed School Society of London andDistrict, operating Covenant Christian School,

invites applications for the following possible opening forthe 2007/2008 school yearGRADE 3 AND 4 TEACHER

Applicants with teaching experience and skills in developingSpecial Ed. resources

are especially encouraged to respond.What we offer:

•Positive Christian work environment.•Small class sizes•Supportive school community with excellent volunteer

base.•Competitive salary (we follow the salary grid of the

League of Canadian Reformed School Societies).For more information please contact the Principal:

Mr. James Meinen at 519-681-1196or email: ccslondon@rogers.com

Letters of application may be sent to:Mrs. Miriam Slaa, Secretary of the Education Committee

218 Spence Drive, Strathroy, ON N7G 3S8Telephone 519-245-7319

email james.slaa034@sympatico.ca

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 93

TheMARANATHA CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOL SOCIETY INC.of Fergus, Guelph and District in planning for the 2007-2008

school year invites applications for:POSSIBLE OPENINGS

With duties to commence August 1, 2007Our school is located in a beautiful and picturesque southernOntario town, where one would be very close to rural life and

within easy reach of major urban areas.The school currently has 246 students in grades K – 8.

If interested in the above position, or have any questionsabout aspects of the position or of the school, please contactone of the following people for more information, or submit

your resumé to the following address:Lydia VanVeen, principal

519-843-3029 (work); 519-843-4062 (home)lydia_vanveen@bellnet.ca

Mark Veenman, Education Committee Chair519-669-6274

Applications to be addressed to:Maranatha Christian Schoolc/o Education Committee

RR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

The Board of the Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School (in theBulkley Valley) invites applications from certified teachers who

are members of the Canadian Reformed churches, UnitedReformed churches, or sister churches, for the following

positions for the 2007/2008 school year. There are possibilitiesfor part time work.

PRIMARY TEACHER PREFERABLY GRADE 1 (12 students)GR. 5/6 TEACHER (24 students)

We are looking for teachers that:• are professional in their work• love God and his covenant children.• set and maintain high personal standards• understand the responsibility they are entrusted with as

teachers, and continually strive to submit their whole lifeto God.

• know how to have funIf you meet the above criteria we urge you to contact us aboutworking at ECRS.Why come?

• Great kids• Beautiful scenery and world-class outdoor activities• Fabulous preachers• Friendly church and local communityPlease call or email the principal, Derek Stoffels, at work:

(250) 847-3492; principal@ebenezerschool.com.To apply please email your application to the principal

or mail it to: The Education CommitteeEbenezer Canadian Reformed School

Box 3700, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0Check our website for a “taste” of the school:

www.ebenezerschool.comCheck www.town.smithers.bc.ca

for information on the community the school is located in.

PRINCIPAL AND/OR VICE PRINCIPALMaranatha Christian School…

…Theologically Reformed, Academically ProgressiveDo you want to teach in a progressive academic environmentsurrounded by faculty members, parents and students whoshare your Reformed worldview? Would you like to live in asmall Ontario town of exceeding natural and historic beautywith world-class artistic attractions? Are you a team player

with strong leadership qualities?We invite you to send us your Curriculum Vitae.

Due to the strong growth of our school, we wish to augmentthe senior administration with another experienced andenergetic team-leader who will serve as principal or vice-

principal starting in September of 2007. Experience and post-graduate work will be definite assets. Applications will be

considered starting February 15, 2007. All parties interested inthis position and who wish to discuss confidentially thepossibilities of employment are invited to contact the

chairman of the education committee. Open to all members ingood standing of the Canadian Reformed Churches and of

Churches with which the Canadian Reformed Churches haveecclesiastical fellowship.

Maranatha Christian School offers Grades K-8 with 246 studentsand is located in Fergus, Ontario.Ms. Lydia VanVeen, Principal

(519) 843- 3029 (work); (519) 843-4062 (home)Email: lydia_vanveen@bellnet.ca

Mr. Mark Veenman, chairman, education committee(519) 699 6274

Applications to be addressed to:Maranatha Christian School

Attention: Mr. Mark Veenman, Education Committee ChairRR 3, Garafraxa Street, Fergus, ON N1M 2W4

To fill possible vacancies,the Board of the

Canadian Reformed School Society ofAbbotsford, BC operating the

John Calvin School invites applications forPRIMARY (K to Gr. 3) or

INTERMEDIATE TEACHERS (Gr. 4 - 7)Successful applicants must:

• be a communicant member of a Canadian/AmericanReformed Church or a sister church;

• be able to obtain an Independent School certificate orcertification from the B.C. College of Teachers;

• be able to commence duties as of September 1, 2007;• furnish two professional references;• furnish a character reference from the applicant’s pastor;• Applicants with French proficiency would be an asset.

For information contact the principal,Mr. P.H.Torenvliet

1-604-823-6814 (school) 1-604-854-5851 (home)1-604-823-6791 (fax), principal@jcss.ca

Send resumes and applications to the Secretary of the Board:c/o John Calvin School

4268 Stewart Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5G3

94 • FEBRUARY 16, 2007

PROVIDENCE REFORMED COLLEGIATEInvites applications for three definite openings as

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERin the areas of Science, Math, English, History, Computer

Studies and French for the 2007/2008 school year. Full andpart-time applicants will be given consideration.

Providence has a student body of 100 students in grades9-12. Now in its 10th year, the school is located a few

minutes west of London in a recently built facility.Qualified individuals who seek to serve in the field of

Reformed Christian education, who submit to Scripture assummarized by the Reformed Confessions, are invited to

submit a resume, a statement of faith, a statement of yourphilosophy of education, and letters of reference

(including one from you church consistory) to:Providence Reformed Collegiate

P.O. Box 114 – 93 Queen Street, Komoka, ON N0L 1R0For more information contact the principal,

Mr. Roger Vanoostveenat (519) 471 0661 (school), (519) 264 2575 (home),

or e-mail prc_principal@rogers.com

Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MBThe Board of Directors is seeking applications for the position of

PRINCIPALfor the 2007/2008 school year.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Christian leader capableof providing visionary leadership in Reformed education

within the school community.We are a K to 12 school with approximately 208 students

and 20 full-time staff.We have excellent facilities and great parental support.The successful candidate must meet the criteria for a

Manitoba Professional Teacher’s Certificate.

Additional information can be obtainedby contacting the principal:

Rob vanSpronsenPhone: 204-745-2278 (work) or 204-745-3996 (home)

Email: dcsprincipal@mts.net

Interested candidates are urged to contact eitherHarry VanKammen, Board President

Phone: 204-379-2427 (home), 204-745-7107 (cell)Email: hjvankammen@mts.netAnton Borst, Board Secretary

Phone: 204-436-2032 (home), 204-745-8935 (cell)Email: acborst@mts.net

EBEN-EZER CANADIAN REFORMED SCHOOLCHATHAM ONTARIO

The Board invites applications for

POSSIBLE TEACHING POSITIONSfor the 2007/2008 school year. We seek interest from teacherswith a sincere love for the Lord and a strong desire to educate

His covenantal children.

Eben-Ezer Christian School has an enrolment of approximately50 students, K to 8, with 5 full-time staff.

Our school has a low student to teacher ratio and excellentworking relationships between teachers, principal, board andschool society. Our church is soundly Reformed and warmly

welcomes new members and their families.

Chatham and surrounding area is free from the stressassociated with large city centers as well as being a very

economical place to live and raise a family.For further information contact the principal,

Mrs. Carol Bos519-354-1142 (school); 519-695-2445 (home)

519-354-2159 (fax); email: cokkie@netrover.comPlease send resumes and applicationsto the Education Committee Chairman

Allan Bergsmac/o Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed School

485 McNaughton Avenue East, Chatham, ON N7L 2H2

Cornerstone Christian SchoolLynden, WA

The Board of Directors invites applicationsfor the following position for the

2007/2008 school year:ELEMENTARY TEACHER

and for a possible opening for aHIGH SCHOOL MATH / SCIENCE TEACHER

Our school currently has 119 students in grades 1 - 12,7.5 FTE teachers, many volunteers, and enjoys a high level

of community support. For the 2007/2008 school year,we anticipate the need for an elementary teacher for theGrade 5/6 level, and there is the possibility of a need for a

math / science teacher at the high school level.

Lynden is a vibrant community, just minutes away fromFraser Valley, B.C. and its attendant attractions,

yet with a taste of rural America.Interested applicants may contact either of the following

people for more information, or submit your resume to thefollowing address:

Mr. Bob Lodder, Chairman of the Boardcschoolboard@aol.com, phone: (360)966-3123

Mr. Otto Bouwman, Principalobouwman@cornerstoneschool.us

phone: (360)318-0663 (school); (360)354-0112 (home)

Mailing address:Cornerstone Christian School

8872 Northwood Road, Lynden, WA 98264

Subscribe to

clarion@premierprinting.ca

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 95

Bus: (519) 843-5400Fax: (519) 843-2810Cell: (519) 993-1780

Royal LePage RCR162 St. Andrew Street EastFergus, Ontario N1M 1R9

“Serving Fergus, Elora, Guelph andsurrounding area

Eric VanGrootheestSalesRepresentative

email: ericvg82@hotmail.comVisit me at www.eric-sells.com

C O V E N A N TCanadian Reformed Teachers College

HAMILTON, ON

ADMISSIONS SEPTEMBER 2007The Board of Covenant College invites applications fromprospective students for the 2007-2008 academic year.

The College offers teacher training programs to preparecandidates for teaching positions in the K - Grade 10 range.

Admission Requirements:

For the 1 - year Diploma of Education Program:a suitable university degree

For the 3 - year Diploma of Teaching Program:a grade 12 diploma with university equivalence.

Prospective candidates are invited to contact the College for moreinformation and/or to obtain an enrolment package. Studentsare encouraged to apply before March 31, 2007. Those who planto seek admission in the year 2008 are also encouraged to contactthe College as soon as possible.

Visit our website: www.covenantteacherscollege.com

Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers CollegeLocation: 410 Crerar Drive, Hamilton, OntarioTelephone: 905-385-0634 Fax: 905-385-8409E-mail: covenant@covenantteacherscollege.comPostal: 1576 Upper James Street, P.O. Box 30026

Hamilton, ON L9B 2Y5

Maranatha Homes, located in south Burlington near manyamenities, is a place where Christian seniors can enjoy

independent living in community with others.

The Home’s newly renovated units and award-winningarchitectural design, combined with its reasonable rent rates

make Maranatha an attractive and affordableaccommodation for seniors.For further information contact:

Rosanne van der Woerd109-3260 New Street, Burlington, ON L7N 3L4

905-681-0311Email: rvanderwoerd@sympatico.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

With thankfulness to our Provider who has blessed us greatly,we have a full time position available for a

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOROur company is located in the Hamilton, Ontario area, amidst a

wealth of Canadian Reformed churches and schools.Our company has been steadily growing over the past 20 years

and we are looking for someone who is self motivated,career orientated, educated and experienced in the maintenance

field, who will maintain and sustain our excellent service.The successful applicant will perform field duties and supervisecrews as well as customer relations, scheduling and estimating.

We offer competitive wages and an excellentteam work environment.

Please contactMarg Dantuma at marg@hesslandscaping.com

Dufferin Christian School, Carman, MBIn anticipation of vacancies, the Board of Directors invites

applications forTEACHING POSITIONS (High School and Middle Years)

for the 2007/2008 school year.Dufferin Christian School is a K to 12 school withapproximately 208 students and 20 full-time staff.

More information about our school can be obtained byvisiting our website: home.merlin.mb.ca/~dufferin.

If you are interested or would like further information,please contact the principal:

Rob vanSpronsenPhone: 204-745-2278 (work) or 204-745-3996 (home)

Email: dcsprincipal@mts.netApplications can be sent to:

Anton Borst, Secretary of the BoardPO Box 1450, Carman, MB R0G 0J0

Fax: (204) 745-3441, email: dufferin@mts.net

FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 96FEBRUARY 16, 2007 • 96

PM40063293R9907

American Reformed FellowshipPALMETTO, FLORIDA

Sunday Services: 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.Location: Palm View First Baptist Church

Corner US 41 and 49th Street EastMinister: Rev. R. StienstraParsonage: Phone: (941) 721-4519Information: Phone: (941) 723-6898

Budget Environmental Disposalis accepting resumes for

DRIVING POSITIONSfor spring time employment.

A DZ licence and experience is an asset but not necessary.We offer competitive pay, incentives, company uniforms and

benefits to qualified employees.

Please deliver resume and abstract to375 Gage Avenue North in Hamilton.

Free Reformed Missions InternationalThe mission board of the

Free Reformed Churches of North AmericaInvites applications for the position of

EDUCATION DIRECTOR/ ADMINISTRATORIn the region of Cubulco, Guatemala beginning in 2007.

The role requires a heart for missionsand involves developing and overseeing various education

projects in the region of Cubulco, Guatemala.

It includes supervision of teachers(including their professional development), interaction and

negotiations with local government officials, as well as activeteaching both in the church and broader community.

Opportunities to develop further education projects with otherorganizations are expected to present themselves.

The position also involves administrative duties includingbookkeeping and legal matters for other departments of FRMI in

Cubulco. The successful candidate must have a love for theReformed faith, be self-motivated as well as patient, while being

a team player with an innate ability to motivate other teammembers to improve themselves.

An education degree, as well as a degree or experience inadministration is preferred. Familiarity with Spanish is an asset.Please include a letter of recommendation from your pastor or

consistory together with your resume.

Please e-mail your resume to John Brink, ClerkFree Reformed Missions International

johnjbrink@aol.comby March 30, 2007

The mailing address is:2103 Berwick Drive, # 5, Burlington, Ontario L7M 4B7

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