Foreign Mission Matters

Friday, June 17, 2011: In his pre-synodical editorial, Prof. Dykstra called our attention to the many people involved in the work of the churches as slaves of Jesus Christ. This work of service in Christ’s kingdom was treated Friday, as Synod dealt with material from the Contact Committee, Foreign Mission Committee and the Domestic Mission Committee.
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The Contact Committee’s “sacred duty”, according to the preamble of its constitution, is “to manifest the true unity and catholicity of the church on earth in as far as that is possible.” During the entire morning session on Friday, the synod heard from the CC how they are carrying out this sacred duty with many contacts which are at different stages of contact: our sister-church in N. Ireland; Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Australia with whom we have a corresponding relationship; contacts in Germany, Uzbekistan, Namibia, Heritage Reformed Congregations, Portugal; and attending NAPARC. In many instances, synod simply approved the CC’s work with these contacts, but there are a few things that should be noted as highlights.
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The CC reported that Revs. Koole and A. Lanning attending the 50th Anniversary celebration of the EPC in Australia. Rev. Koole spoke at the celebration and our delegation had a one-day conference with some of the ministers of the EPCA.
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Rev. M. McGeown addressed synod on behalf of the CPRC in NI, expressing the warm greetings of our sister in NI. He also expressed thanks for the many benefits enjoyed in the relationship and informed synod about the missionary work being done in Limerick. Rev. Slopsema asked Rev. McGeown to express the greetings of the PRCA to the saints in N. Ireland and Limerick and the thanks we have for the sister-church relationship. Synod approved providing financial support for the mission work in Limerick.
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Synod approved sending observers to the 2011 meeting of NAPARC.
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The CC reported that the six churches in Namibia responded positively to the delegation’s presentations of the PRCA and our distinctives. But more visits are necessary to get to know each other better. Since the delegation returned these six churches have not extended another invitation for us to return. The CC informed synod concerning recent developments in these churches, which indicate they want to continue this contact. They do have internal struggles that have required their undivided attention. Yet these churches have decided to present to their classis (Classis Waterberg) a report of their meetings with our delegation in the summer of 2010 with the desire that the classis would begin corresponding with us. Synod approved sending another delegation to Namibia when an invitation for such a delegation is given.
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In the afternoon, Synod treated the material of the Foreign Mission Committee
because Rev. Smit, one of our missionaries in the Philippines, was present. The highlight of the afternoon was Rev. Smit’s address to synod concerning the ongoing work in the Philippines. He gave a brief update of the work being doing in the Berean Protestant Reformed Church and in the other congregations with whom they work. Rev. Smit expressed the heartfelt thanks of the Smits and Kleyns for the denominational support they have felt. Rev. Slopsema, our chair, expressed the thanks of synod for their dedicated service and assured Rev. Smit of our continued prayers for them and their work. After making decisions concerning the work in the Philippines, synod also approved the FMC’s work of investigating Myanmar as a possible field of mission labor.

Synod began to treat late in the afternoon material regarding the Domestic Mission Committee. Synod was not able to finish this material, so this is where synod will begin Monday morning, the Lord willing.
(Click on pictures to enlarge them)