Living out of the consequences of a fallen world


Haiti has been a troubled country, practically since its birth. And things are sadly getting worse, to the point that lawlessness has taken firm hold, and the government, the cause of much of the unrest, is unable to set things right. Missionaries caught up in the maelstrom can only wait it out, either outside of, or in Haiti itself, with the people who are their neighbours and their brothers and sisters. Please keep this beleagured country in your prayers.

Marian Van Til keeps the plight of Christians per­secuted for their faith before us, again as a matter for prayer and action. We shake our heads when hearing stories of executions and imprisonment, but then we move on to the next story. Better to take the time to put our words into some action for the sake of those whose faith is being tried by fire.

Speaking of fire, the wildfires in California pushed along by the winds have turned lives upside down as homes in the woody lands and mountains of the state are threatened with many people evacu­ated. In this light, Christine Farenhorst reminds us of the day of reckoning, when our neighbours well might face the flames that will not be quenched, because they are for eternity. It’s sobering reading that should waken us to the plight of those who live near us and who may not yet know the Gospel.

Henry David Schuringa has been chronicling the lives of leaders at the Synod of Dort, men with a vision for the importance of getting doctrine right, for the sake of truth and for the sake of keeping the Church on track. The series finishes with this issue.

In 2017 Michael Zwiep toured Europe for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. He visited and shared glimpses of places in Europe that served the cause of Reformation. This year, in August, Michael made another trip with his family to places where secessionist roots took hold in North American soil – the land south of the Great Lakes. His is a bird’s eye view of what he saw, and we hope that it might inspire others to blaze a similar trail, perhaps in their own areas where the Reformed churches have made an impact for the Gospel.

Norm Bomer returns, and we are thankful to see his byline again on page 12, with an article on immigration and the political it has become in the United States.

Hermina Dykxhoorn reflects on the temper of the Canadian federal election, and what it reveals for Christians involved in politics. There is definitely a change in the wind when it comes to holding beliefs that conflict with current “political correctness.” If one disagrees with same-sex marriage, abortion and the push for a multitude of gender options, the growing attitude is that one is unfit for political office. We are now seeing the limits of tolerance in the face of an unbiblical and increasingly hostile ideology. What this means for Reformed Christians who hold office is likely a tougher road. What it means for all of us remains to be seen.

If you are struggling to find matters for prayer, this issue should help fill your prayer jar.

 John Vandyk, Editor
Christian Renewal Magazine

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