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\ 6th YEAR OF PUBLICATION, No. 1767
JAlinist CONTACT
NOVEMBER 14, 1980
U.S. ELECTIONS — almost frightening
President-elect Ronald Reagan and his wife, Nancy
by John Knight U.S. Correspondent
The dramatic shift to the right in last week's U.S. elections will be analyzed by political observers around the world for several weeks, if not longer.
Not since the 1950’s, the Eisenhower years, has there been such a pro- nounced shift away from ‘liberal’ politics toward a more ‘conservative’ approach.
Heads rolled in the U.S. Senate, where such prominent figures as Bayh, Church and McGovern had to make way for young upstarts, many of them arch- conservatives. The 1980 elections have signaled the end of an era.
President-elect Reagan can no longer be dismissed as a former B-movie actor with a passion for politics. As President of one of the world's super-powers he must be reckoned with as a ‘shaper’ of new international relationships and new domestic policies. As far as the domestic scene is concerned he has a track record as governor of the most populous state, California, which (as he often said during the campaign) would be ranked
the sixth economic power
inthe world if it were an independent country.
internationally,
Reagan is an unknown
quantity who will no
doubt rely heavily on
Henry Kissinger to handle
the delicate diplo- macy with allies, foes and uncommitted Third World countries. During the final week of campaigning, com- edian Bob Hope made reference at a Reagan rally that, when elected, Reagan would pardon Car- ter. An obvious reference to one of former president Ford's first acts as President when he pardoned his pre- decessor, Richard Nixon, for his involvement in the Watergate
scandals.
President Jimmy Carter
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it was a tongue-in-cheek remark that spoke to a lot of people who simply didn’t like President Carter, or the way he ran the country. Carter, a Democrat, made it to the White House four years ago by clever campaigning, the support of an undivided Democratic party (which numerically is still by far the largest political party in the country) and a country still reeling from the escapades of a ‘slightly dishonest’ Republican President, Richard Nixon.
Using the phrase “I'll never lie to you, the former Georgia governor promised a new honesty in government and seemed a natural champion of the man- in-the-street, ‘minorities and union members.
President Carter will always be remembered as a well-meaning, basic- ally good administrator, although somewhat naive in_ international diplomacy. The Iranian hostage crisis certainly hurt him and his country's prestige.
indirectly, the bull-headedness of Khomeini who kept referring to the U.S. as “Satan” and the source of all evil, plus the captivity of 52 U.S. citizens by a foreign country, angered the American people almost to the point of revolt, a revolt that in a civilized democracy can best be expressed at the polls.
Voter turn-out was extremely high. Lines at the polis were long when the doors opened at 7 in the morning, and many stations had to stay open beyond 8 p.m. to handle the crowd still waiting to get in.
It was a vote against the incumbent President and his administration, a vote against a clumsy foreign policy, but especially a vote against high inflation, high unemployment and other pocket- book issues. In many ways it was a rather ‘selfish’ vote, fired by frustration because voters felt that their country was not the place it used to be.
Para-political organizations like Moral Majority, an extremely right wing blend of ‘Christian’ values and nationalism, played an important role in bringing Reagan and other conserva- tives to power. in some states vigilante groups even conducted smear campaigns against long-proven but ‘liberal’ senators, governors, congressmen and other legislators. The resulting upsets may well mean that newly elected representatives will be indebted to those who put them in power.
The swing to the right has been going on since the mid-sixties, when Goldwater challenged President Johnson. It didn’t result in the defeat of Johnson, but it did start a movement that eventually brought Nixon to power. Only the abuse of that power helped elect Carter four years ago, but history may show that this was only an insignificant detour on the road to an even more stunning ‘conservative’ victory in 1980.
| am using the terms ‘conservative’ and ‘liberal’ rather than Republican and
Democrat, because the 1980 election |
did away with the more traditional party distinctions. The U.S. south, for
time in greater numbers. Northern centres with heavy biue collar popula- tions and Democratic as-long-as-we-can- remember have now swung dramatical- ly to the right, following a new cham- pion of their cause.
Old-fashioned liberalism is dead, a new ‘order’ has been established. And that is the frightening morning-after analysis of the 1980 election. In a country where most people are po- litically naive, it is possible that a Carter and a Reagan be voted into power depending on the mood of the moment, and the clever manipulation of the masses by professional campaign managers.
It is not the installation of a ‘con- servative’ administration in Washing- ton that is frightening, but the extent of support that a new face, or anew dream, or a clever ad-campaign can generate. History has proved repeatedly that far- right, ultra-conservative, might-rather- than-right can have devastating effects. Think of fascism in Italy and Spain, and national-socialism in Nazi Germany
Domestically the Reagan victory will be good for business. There will de greater protection of American interests, the dollar may raliy and become more stable, but this kind of protection will aiso hurt other countries, especially those who trace much with the U.S. It is generally accepted that minorities will not be as well off. (Very few blacks, for instance voted for Reagan).
Internationally the U.S. will demand greater respect and will probably use the “big stick” approach in sensitive diplomacy. It is likely that Henry Kissinger, a skilled negotiator, will shape foreign policy.
In the U.S. a rare system of ‘checks and balances’ that is found in few other countries has existed for over two hundred years. The three branches of government, the Executive § (the President and his personally selected Cabinet and staff), Congress (the elected representatives of the people in the Senate and House of Repre- sentatives) and Judicial (especially the Supreme Court) keep an eye on each other. These ‘checks and balances’ made it possible for instance to force President Nixon toresign six years ago.
The new power structure gives the Reagan administration control of the Executive and the Senate, while the ‘mood of the country’ as expressed by the people in the elections will force the House to look ‘conservatively at the issues before it.
That leaves the Court, many of whose members were appointed during the administration of President Nixon for a life-term. There is some speculation that Carter may, before he leaves office in January, appoint a judge to the Supreme Court to replace an ailing member, and by 80 doing affect the make-up of that body for years tocome.
The traditional changing of the guard will take place on January 20, and will show the worid that in a democracy the transition to a new administration will
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Canada pretends to be a nation de- void of racism but the Canadian Council of Churches is doing what it can to make this nation aware of the problem.
Canadians know that racism lives and breeds in South Africa and has also sparked repeated confrontations in the United States. Even concerned Christians find it difficult to believe that Archie Bunker bigotry exists north of the forty-ninth parallel.
The Canadian Council of Churches has undertaken a year-long study of the problem and has come up with its report simply entitied: “Racism in Canada.” The report identifies the native people as the prime, although not
the only, target of racism in this country. Most of us have preconceived
notions about indians. They portray a strong image as drunk, disorderly, de- structive, and lazy. Depending on which area of the country you live, these notions may also apply to other minority groups.
Toronto has fallen victim to a number of racial attacks within recent years. Most of them, in the form of violent beatings, were directed at immigrants
torney who is president of the evan-
gelical Christian Legal Society, belleves that parochiaid, tax credits and alternative school systems are not the answer for the Christian. He says that government and educators must recognize the pluralism that exists in the public schools and adapt their methods accordingly. He suggests that creationism should be taught along with evolution in science classes, and both should be equally regarded as theories.
There is a growing demand, both in the U.S. and Canada, for the creation theory to be considered in the public school science classes. Many evangelicals endorse the “two-model”’ approach in public school teaching of both evolution and creation. The institution of Creation Research (ICR) is giving extensive help to all who desire equal time in the schools. In supporting this effort, the ICR says that it is responding to the frustration of parents whose children are being “literally programmed” by the exclusive teaching of evolution.
Former head of the Alberta Teacher's Association, ivan Stonehocker, a member of the Evangelical Free Church, is leading efforts to mandate the teaching of creationism in Alberta's classrooms. “All we ask is a balance, not a bias, in scientific teaching,” Stonehocker says.
The Fellowship Executive Council of Evangelical Baptist Churches in Canada endorsed a plan of its research and service committee to enlist their members in Ontario to write 10,000 letters to the Ontario Minister of Education to request equal time for the teaching of scientific creationism. This letter writing campaign brought a deluge of mail to Queen’s Park.
The director of the ICR, Henry Morris, who has a Ph.D. from the University of
a = says that evolution is just
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Racism is alive and well and breeding in Canada
from Pakistan and India.
Aside from concentrated settlements in southern Ontario, most native people live in northern Canada and especially in western Canada.
At the National Consultation on Racism held in Winnipeg last April, Robert Vachon spoke about the racist
streak inthe churches’ own approachto .
racism.
He mentioned how the cultural blinders of the churches make them “generally unable to look at other peoples and cultures except as a problem to be solved or an emptiness to be filled.”
“Thus,” he said, ‘the churches refer to the ‘needy,’ the ‘poor,’ the ‘under- developed, ‘minorities, and ‘the oppressed.’ These people are always viewed as something: without educa- tion, unemployed, illiterate, backward and without power.’
Mr. Vachon, who is the director of a multicultural centre in Montreal, articu- lated the churches’ temptation to racism as follows: “We end up defining ihem and their condition exclusively by what we believe they lack rather than by
as much a religion — but for Humeniete’" and atheists — as creationism is for Christians. Both origin models are theories. | agree. Yet the issue of creationism versus evolution appears limited only to the science classes. Students are encouraged to evaluate both models. Dr. Bill Quick, a University of Regina biologist, says that it’s time our educators saw creation and evolution as testable models and treated them as such. The students can examine the evidences presented to them and determine which model is more accurate.
The cause espoused by Christian parents in mandating equa! time is laudable. But is it realistic? Can the discussion of evolution versus creation be limited just to natural science? No! Evolution is no longer seen as merely a working hypothesis. It has been elevated to the rank of a world and life view — a religion. It is now the key unlocking the secrets of the origin and existence ofall things.
Many secular scientists are so con- vinced of the evolution model that they consider it no longer a matter of debate. Dr Carl Sagan, chief writer and host- narrator of thesnew television series Cosmos, states to creationists that evolution is not theory but fact.
Evolutionism is a religious commit- ment — just as humanism, atheism or islam are Evolutionists have returned to primitive natural religions which deified the powers of nature and worshipped them. Julian Huxley, in his article Godless Religion, says that man must face the world without God. Man has now become responsible for his own evolution on this planet.
We are exhorted to face our newly found freedom from the supernatural; and with courage tempered with wis- dom, and hope tempered with knowledge, we must work for our future. Our increased knowledge should
define, says Huxley, “man’s sense of
what they truly are, thus denying them
their original and uniqueidentity.”
For us that means that we might be trying to squeeze an Indian or Pakistani or Vietnamese into our Dutch, Calvin- istic mould, without being sensitive to their own culture and their own needs.
Stan McKay, a United Church min- ister in Manitoba, has spoken out bitter- ly against the forms of paternalistic racism which continue to exist, albeit subtly, within the churches today. He criticizes the “liberal guilt” which he feels motivates much of the churches’ response to the native people. ‘Natives are thought of as underprivileged chil- dren, not as the victims of racism.”
By some world standards, Canada is relatively free of racism. But by our own admission problems do exist within our towns and cities. As our Reformed wit- ness begins to penetrate the world around us, we will soon be faced with many of these questions within our own congregations.
Through evangelism and by inter- racial marriages, the Reformed church is growing in numbers. Racism and bigotry will undoubtedly creep into our local churches, if it hasn't done so already. That may develop sooner than
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focus the feeling of sacredness on fitter subjects. Instead of worshipping*’super- natural rulers, it will sanctify the higher manifestations of human nature, in art and love in intellectual comprehension and aspiring adoration, and will empha- size the fuller realization of life’s possi- bilities as a sacred trust.” This is Huxley's confession of faith — his world and life view — and not just the presentation of a theory.
Evolution is not a theory that only relates to the origins of the world. It is used as a basis- to evaluate what is observed and as a foundational prin- ciple for the sciences. The question of origins influences our view of man and his world; the way he lives, works, suffers, hopes and dies in it. So as a man believes he interprets and works.
George Wald, a chemistry professor from Harvard University, expressed with great force the modern idea that all things, including man, are merely the
Calvinist Contact
Editor and Publisher Keith Knight
General Manager Harry de Vries
Accounting: Helen VanOostveen
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Design: Jeanette Jensma
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Chris Kwint
Edmonton Editor: Wiima VanderSchaat
Cireuletion: Sue Ouiker
Contributors Irwin De Vries Ralph Heynen Lynn Miller Johan Tangeider
Cari Tuy!
pT ae oN CORE RE RAE bisa
we would like to think as in as sing numbers of Vietnamese, Chinese a nc id Cambodians become actively
in our churches. In our efforts to rr i
our “nonDutch” members feel a
in our church, we will nevertheless impose our own Dutch, Cal nis ist values upon them. Lifestyles are un | doubtedly different but so are national . characteristics. The Indian and Vietna- Sea mese people whom we may invite into our homes for a Sunday afternoon tea, come from a totally different oo ground and we should be sensitive ts Ser gs that.
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the native people, the Indians, a a report refers to the ill treatment of per ea
Canada. The report elaborates how the. exploitation of the Indians since the time of the first explorers has become ae, f ; embedded in the structures of this ow society. 5 ee a Racism exists in Canada. It comesas. ite no surprise, really. Granted, itis not = apartheid but it is still something ona 5 a which we have to deal responsibly and - : lovingly. ie cm
wy - t f re — “a our |
‘is no ‘more than matter. “Four nunicred ee years ago there was a colle ction molecules named Shakespeare which produced Hamlet.” Wald’'s comment “eh demonstrates the impossibility of — ta neutrality. There are no naked facts. To pet be for or against evolution has become not a matter of accepting or Ds abel se observed data. Itisafaithdecision. — a FR.
In education we must be aware that it ee is impossible to teach apart from an 4 interpretive framework. When we are. conscious of the primacy of Scriptures oe — not limiting the Christian faith to individualistic salvation — butseeingit also as a world and life view, the debate of creationism versus evolution will +] lead to religious choices. Not only the | we natural sciences should be aE ’
parents should have the right to che mes the religious educational direction fc ;
their children.
Subscription . - $17.50 for one year and $32.00 for two years. Overseas D Airmail $55.00. Surface mail $25.00. we
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to Calvinist Contac \ « ae 7
Cares
retary: Dr. R.Koolata, Mra | Parievit, Rev. Jann Drost.
NOVEMBER 14, 1980
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Multiculturalism is working, says federal minister
Dear Sir:
In the August 15, 1980 issue of Ca/vinist Con- tact, you made state-
ments concerning the multi- culturalism policy to which | would like torespond.
You begin your article by stating that “Canada’s multiculturalism program is not working;” that the program is creating fragmentation and regionalization; you accuse the multiculturalism policy of breeding individualism, re- sulting in a self-centred popu- lace bent on preserving their ethnicity at the expense of the future of Canada. | believe you to be a sincere, concerned Canadian, however | hope you will re-examine the policy. Surely, it is not having the
disastrous effects you envisage.
The decision of the National Government to adopt this
Policy was made only after several years of serious study by the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism into the relationships existing between the various ethnocul- tural groups that comprise Canadian society. It was in response to the recommenda-
tions of this Royal Commission that the Government decided to implement the multicultural- ism policy within a bilingual framework. When the national government took this policy direction, it was responding to the real and perceived needs that had been articulated by numerous organizations and individuals, knowledgeable about the history and develop- ment of Canada and the role of the various communities within the country.
| am fully aware that this cultural policy does not find favour with.everyone. However the Government is convinced that we must not ignore the demands for recognition and participation that cultural pluralism implies. Multicul- turalism is a rational and positive response to these demands and it is a way for all groups and communities across Canada to co-exist and mutually support one another.
| wish to emphasize that one of the principal thrusts of the multiculturalism policy is cultural sharing.
What is meant here is to encourage Canadians to learn about and experience
something of the contributions and the way of looking at things of other Canadians. We want the various cultures to be exposed to public view and to be seen as bonafide Canadians in nature and not something strange and sinister and there- by the cause for suspicion and social conflict. | do not believe that the positive encourage- ment of interaction among groups can be left to chance. The nation has a responsibility to monitor development and
assist all citizens to gain acceptance and full participation in society.
Cultural sharing does not mean the abandonment of one’s personality or character. | think that the words of the Canadian painter, William Kurelek, are particularly pertinent on this point. “I pride myself on being a world citizen. This means that men should not be ashamed of, or disloyal to, their nationality. It also means that men must respect people of other origins and, when possible, share their heri- tage, taste each others foods, enjoy each others music, learn each others literature and background. Strange to say,
CALVINIST CONTACT — PAGE 3
this made me happier with my own background. For as long as | tried to be loyal only to the Ukranian cause, | was bound to be disillusioned....”
it is further hoped that the efforts of the national govern- ment will help Canadians to overcome the ‘tribal antagon- isms" which have so often blighted relationships between the various peoples of this earth.
| would like to deal now with your specific concerns. First, you stated that “multicultur- alism is not working.” Many nations of the world disagree with you. They have examined our Policy and they feel that it is working admirably. We re- ceive requests for informa- tion by foreign embassies and are frequently visited by foreign politicians wishing to see the policy inaction.
Your second concern, that multiculturalism creates “‘frag- mentation and _ regionaliza- tion,’ is shared by all. However, this feeling of fragmentation is as old as the country itself and is due in part to the very geography of the nation. The natural North-South flow of goods, the barriers of distance,
and even the Rocky Mountains, all have conspired to make Canada a difficult country to unify. It is too simplistic to blame multiculturalism for this difficult situation.
| also cannot accept your thesis that multiculturalism has bred a_ “self-centred populace.” Canadians have always been amongst the most generous people in offering a haven to those in distress. As
examples | might mention the
welcome given to The United
Empire Loyalists; the post World War Il refugees, the Ugandan Asians and the
Indochinese “boat people.” A more recent example of our generosity or lack of self- centredness, is our response to the Muscular Dystrophy drive and the Terry Fox Cancer drive.
| will conclude my remarks by saying that | believe our strength rests in our diverse peoples and through our Multi- culturalism Policy, unity will be strengthened through diver- sity.
Jim Fleming, Minister of State for Multiculturalism, Ottawa
Retirement
Dear Sir:
A friend of mine asked me to write about retirement.
To be retired is a wonderful experience for some, not for everyone. When | was over 65 and still together with my husband, | found life very ful- filling. We were without pressure and could spend more time together.
| really appreciated and en- joyed this time. When the children were small, they needed my attention. Now they were married; it was dif-
ferent. We travelled a lot and explored this beautiful country of ours.
There are so many possibili- tles to enjoy your retirement. When | was suddenly alone, it was a different story. Where was my fulfillment and purpose now? | feit lost and lonesome. | thought, my children don’t need me anymore, they had a life of their own.
| heard from a lady who was suddenly alone and didn't know what to do. She was watching T.V. from morning till night. | thought: “Oh no, what a
Sensitivity to Mennonite allegiance
Dear Sir: it is good to see the at- tention given recently
Mennonites. In my own con- tacts during the last several
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velous little book entitled Black and Mennonite, and it struck me that many of the ex- periences this black man reported concerning his life as a Mennonite would be similar to those that might appear in a book entitled Black and Calvinist. | The importance of Mennon- ite-Calvinist dialogue is height-
waste of time.”’
When we are healthy and can use our hands and eyes, we can do lots of things. If you like reading, the library has many books. We can knit mittens, hats and socks for our grand- children or for bazaars, they will gladly receive your contri- bution. We can visit sick and lonely people. My children gave me good advice, to go to the nearest hospital and visit people who never get visitors.
Do you know that you can enjoy beautiful music every night from 9 till 12 (Starlight Serenade)?
developments be the begin- nings of a new and exciting dialogue!
Richard J, Mouw, Visiting Distinguished Professor of Evangelical Christianity,
Juniata College,
Huntingdon, PA
DUTCH AND CANADIAN LAW
1075 Bay St., Suite 915,
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The winter is coming and the evenings are long’ and lonesome, when you are alone. People who promised to visit you forget all about their promises. You don't want to go outside because of the slippery roads. To occupy my time and to use my brains, | took a correspondence course. The Board of Education gives for people over 65, all kinds of cor-
— Exclusive —
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respondence courses, without charge. | enjoyed these very much.
itis a blessing when we can use our time constructively. and when we can activate our brains. Let us pray for a clear mind till the end and our Father in heaven will take care of you and me.
Marie Guillaume, istington, ON
Dec. 4- Jan. 5, 1981
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Anation of gamblers
fronted with as it is sweeping across our nation in the
* The matter of gambling is something the church is con-
form of Lotto Canada, Wintario, and the Provincial. Though the concern for gambling, greed and love of money comes to expression in many other areas in our materialist- ically oriented society, the lotteries are a specific casein point. People defend the lottery form of gambling, arguing that it is just entertainment and proceeds do a lot of good. From 1974- 76, Canadians spent $700 million on government run lotteries and have won $288 million in prizes.
Lotteries appeal because they are based on two aspects of man’s sinful nature: chance and greed. Gambling nurtures greed. What else would motivate people to go tirelessly to the ticket counter. Listen to conversations in offices and factories across the land. Lotteries are on people's mind. God's children have no time to flirt with lady luck. They bow under the
confession of Lord’s Day 10: *'
| trust him so much that! should
not doubt he will provide whatever | need for body and soul...”
Not chance but providence.
The Christian church has always branded gambling as frivil- ous and sinful and contrary to the Protestant work ethic. The get rich quick appeal of the lottery is a sign of crumbling values in a society that has lost faith in the old fashioned work ethic. Gambling used to belong to the underworld but now the govern- ment has made it legal. It is part of the permissiveness in today’s society in matters such as divorce and abortion. Gambling in every form is condemned by scripture. We would
refer to only two passages:
“Keep your life free from
love of money, and be content with what you Nave for he has said, | will never fail you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5); and "For the love of money is the root of all evil; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs” (I Tim. 6:10). Christians should avoid lotteries because they go counter to the scriptures and nourish what is base in man — greed and love of money.
Finally, money is always a trust from the Lord to be used for his glory. We ought not to use what belongs to the Lord in an effort to get larger personal gain through the workings of chance. When there are other areas in our lives that nurture greed and love of money, then we are called as God's people to
avoid them as well.
The Burlington (Ontario) Chr. Ref. Church
Church News
ee sce —
Christian Aatétined:
ee te os mo oe ee es ss —
Called
—to Brampton (Immanuel), Rev. Henry Lunshof of Meadowvale, ON.
—to Charlottetown, P.E.!., Rev. Guy Corvers of Bowmanville (Maranatha), ON.
Declined
—to Toronto (Willowdale), ON, Rev. John Vriend of Grand Rapids (Church of the Servant), Mi.
Rev. Schaafsma died
Rev. Arthur W. Schaafsma, re- tired minister living in Victoria, B.C.. died on November 5. Rev. Schaafsma was instrumental in establishing the Christian Re- formed Church at Smithville which grew out of the mother church in Wellandport. He was ordained in 1938 in The Netherlands and served Oldemarkt, Middenmeer, Rotterdam and Amsterdam before coming to Canada in 1951. He then served the churches at Bowman- ville, Burlington, Ottawa (Calvin), Wellandport and Smithville before retiring in. 1977. He then moved to Victoria, B.C. where he lived in re- tirement.
Covenant Christian Reformed
Church of Barrie
Worship Services at 155 Ferris Lane 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
P.O. Box 785, Barrie, ON L4M 4Y5. Phone: 705-726-7760.
Adult education
gin our four-week, adult
education program on “The Last Things.” We trust that there will be a good turnout as we study this sub- ject together. Adult education, said Dr. Joel Nederhood, is the need of the hour. The subject material is timely and it will be good to know what the biblical Reformed position is on the topics announced. The first session will deal with the return of Christ. We will be dis- cussing in our sessions, sub- jects such as “The _Inter- mediate State,” “The Rapture,” ‘The Thousand Year Reign,” “The Signs of the Times,” “The Resurrection of the Body,” ‘The Final Judg- ment,” and “The New Earth.” The Bible study part will take about one anda half hours, and from 9:30 - 10:00 we have some fellowship as we drink a cup of coffee.
& This Wednesday we be-
Chr. Ref. Church, Burlington, ON
: Great work YP’s
Our young people or- ganized the retreat for their league, which was held in Camp Galilee last week- end. it was my privilege to be there, along with my wife, and Mr. and Mrs. DePooter. It was simply a great weekend. And most of it was due to the superb way our
young people organized it. There were almost 100 young people, but discipline was superb, participation was 100%. Our young people are easily criticized. But, when they do a fantastic job, that should be shared too, And they
did. Calvin Chr. Ref. Church, Ottawa, ON
A youth pastor for Calgary
Both our congregation and the Maranatha congrega-
tion voted overwhelming- ly in favour of calling a pastor whose primary task will be youth and related ministry. In- formation regarding procedure and other pertaining news will be provided as available. Any member knowing someone who might be well qualified for this type of work is encouraged to pass the information on to our clerk. Emmanuel Chr. Ref. Church, Calgary, AB
Witnessing as deeds of mercy
‘ Last spring we were in contact with Miss Rach- elle Hamlin, the co-ordina- tor of volunteer services for the home care program. The purpose of this program which is funded by the provincial government, is to keep the ill and elderly in their own home as long as possible, rather than an institution. It provides such services as nursing therapy, social work and home making. This work is done by trained people. Where do volunteers come in? Sometimes a patient or elderly person needs transportation to a hospital or an appointment. Sometimes they are lonely and would like a visit or phone call, or they need to be taken for an outing or just
togo grocery shopping. Kildonan Chr. Ref. Church, Winnipeg, MB
Wayside ministry
side Chapel ministry has
been very encouraging this year. Some 350 visitors signed their names in the guest book. These visitors came from all parts of Canada and the world: from Michigan, Ohio, New York, Texas, California Holland, England, Ireland, and even Yugoslavia. Some $100.00 was received in donations.
Here are some of the comments written in tlie guest book:“Thank God for places like this.” “God's house, | love it.” “My prayers were answered.” “Came to pray to Jesus.” “Thank you for letting us in.”’ Thank you for letting us listen to your message.” ‘‘We always stop here.” “A good place to come close to God.” “God will never forsake you.” “Just what we needed.” “I am glad it’s here.” “Came to thank the Lord.”
As churches, let us thank the Lord for the ministry we can be to people through this silent (?) witness on the old Highway #7.
es The response to the Way-
From the Council for Evangelism, Second Chr. Ref. Church, Sarnia, ON
C.E.T. Chatham
‘ We held the C.E.T. (Con-
gregational Evangelism Training) course in our church during the winter months the past three years. In these three years, fifteen people were trained to present the gospel to those who are not familiar with it. For several reasons those who were trained in the past are now not available to share in the joy of the actual work anymore, except three. We have three trainers available. Each trainer may train two new witnesses. So actually we are looking at this time for six people who are willing to participate in the C.E.T. course this winter. We hope to do this on Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m. We started on October 30. The three trainers are men. Each team should be mixed: either two men and one woman or two women and one man. So we need at least three girls. The other three may be either men or women. Come on, don't be scared. Make us happy with
your willingness. And reap the »
first fruits for yourself. We need to buy your training material. So we need your response within a week or at least no later than next Sunday. Pray about it. Why not
you? First. Chy. Ref. Church, Chatham, ON
What would you say?
We recently held a C.E.T. ‘. (Congregational Evangel-
ism Training) session in the Meadowvale Chr. Ref. Church with the denomina- tional minister of evangelism, Rev. W. Smedes, and a number of questions were discussed there. Should we go calling with one, two or three people? Where'can we obtain literature for our Vietnamese friends? What information is available on the Worid Home Bible League follow-up program? What are the motives of people in hearing the gospel? What methods of approach should we use? What do you say when you approach people with the gospel, for the first time? How do we get more trainees for evangelism? How often should we visit people before we give up on them in case there is no response? Should we let people know in advance we are coming? What about special evangelism evenings in the church? What about alter calls? How do we get into apartment buildings? What about prayer partners? How do we set up worship services that reach all people? What about follow-up with DVBS (no child evangelism without parent evangelism)? What about goal setting? Many questions for sure, to which Rev. Smedes gave his own answers. How about checking — these
eulibtienis out tor yourselves:
and seeing what answers you
would give? Rehoboth Chr. Ref. Church,
Limit the world of illusion
és ~ As pastors of the Edmon- ton and area churches we receive each other's bul- letins. | like that, since it keeps us informed about happenings in the other churches. And occasionally, we like to share thoughts that we read on other bulletins with our own congre- gation. This past week the Second Church bulletin carried an iter of interest from the Edson-Peers bulletin. | am sure they won't mind if! pass this on to you.
Television, Its View of the Christian and the faith.
The conflict between world views becomes clearest when television programs deal di- rectly with Christianity. Reporters in news programs see the church in terms of tra- ditional versus progressive — hardly ascriptural perspective. Television's entertainment por- trayal of Christians and Chris- tianity is downright libelous. Most Christians portrayed on television fail into three types.