From the Pastors' Desks https://www.harvestopc.org Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:28:09 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ “Why Don’t We Sing More ______?” https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/-why-don-t-we-sing-more-______ https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/-why-don-t-we-sing-more-______#comments Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:03:52 -0400 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/-why-don-t-we-sing-more-______ One of the things I love most about Harvest is the congregational singing! I noticed it the very first time I visited Harvest in January of 1994. I was there as a guest preacher, and I remember saying to Joanne when I got home – “Those people can really sing!” Praise the Lord that this has remained a key part of Harvest worship for all these years. The congregational singing at Harvest is one of the things I most cherish about our church. There is something uniquely precious about robust congregational singing. It is a deeply moving experience to hear the saints of God around you pouring their hearts into songs of praise to our Lord! It often brings tears to the eyes. It reminds us that we are not alone – in either the pains of life or the joys of the gospel. We are a part of a body, the precious body of Christ. I suspect you feel the same way.

Consequently, I know that when people raise a concern about the songs we sing, they are doing it out of a place of deep appreciation for what we have and a genuine concern that we do not lose that. I’m very thankful for that. However, we do hear concerns from time to time. Sandra TerHaar, our Worship Coordinator, reports, “

“I receive input from members that we are not singing enough psalms, or not singing enough Trinity Hymnal songs, or not singing enough Contemporary songs.  I kind of think that if we’re getting that input from all worshipers, maybe we’re in the ballpark.”

The concerns are always raised in a loving way, with a tender tone. And we thank you for that! But in this post, I’d like to address a specific concern I’ve heard several times recently; namely, that our song selection is becoming more traditional. In other words, the concern is that we are not singing as many contemporary songs as we used to sing.

I asked Sandra TerHaar, our Worship Coordinator, to do a quick survey of the songs we’ve used in worship to see if this is the case. We took a snapshot of the first two months of the year for 2014, 2016, 2019, 2024.

Here is a summary of her report.  

“A quick comparison of the use of contemporary songs vs. traditional songs (e.g. Trinity Hymnal, Psalter Hymnal, and Trinity Psalter) during the two-month period of January-February was conducted for the years 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2024.”

Here are the results.  

Year

Total # of Songs

Contemporary Songs

Songs from Hymnals

Jan-Feb 2014

77

43%

57%

Jan-Feb 2016

94 (extra Sunday)

51%

49%

Jan-Feb 2019

77

49.4%

50.6%

Jan-Feb 2024

79

50.6%

49.4%

 

As you can see, 10 years ago we were singing slightly fewer contemporary songs. But since 2016, the numbers are nearly identical. 

This is very interesting since we don’t intentionally try to hit a certain percentage.  We focus on picking the best songs for each service, with a mind towards using both traditional and contemporary songs. The fact that we are consistently around 50/50 is somewhat remarkable.

It’s possible that the singing “feels” more traditional than it has in the past because we don’t currently have an instrumental group that uses bass guitar and drums as we did in the past. But the song selection has remained surprisingly consistent. 

Let me close with this reminder. Harvest is a wonderful blend of worship preferences and backgrounds. We have some folks from the Dutch Reformed background who appreciate selections from the blue Psalter Hymnal. Others were raised on the Trinity Hymnal and enjoy singing those familiar hymns of the faith. Some folks like the Psalms from the new Trinity Psalter Hymnal. We have others who love the old gospel hymns they grew up with. Our contemporary selections tend to be songs we’ve grown to love together. By using all these resources, I believe we are blessing the various parts of the body while still growing together in unity as one body. That seems like the way it ought to be.

The key is for us to appreciate our different backgrounds and preferences and joyfully sing the songs we don’t know as well or enjoy as much – in the comforting knowledge that others in the body are greatly blessed by it. The Lord not only delights in robust singing – but in the sincere love we express for one another as we sing. 

Most importantly, our deepest desire is to sing songs that are worthy of the worship of God and edifying for the faith and life of the congregation. We won’t always get it right and we are sincerely thankful for your input. Let’s strive to glorify God by keeping joyful, enthusiastic singing as a mark of our worship!

]]>
One of the things I love most about Harvest is the congregational singing! I noticed it the very first time I visited Harvest in January of 1994. I was there as a guest preacher, and I remember saying to Joanne when I got home – “Those people can really sing!” Praise the Lord that this has remained a key part of Harvest worship for all these years. The congregational singing at Harvest is one of the things I most cherish about our church. There is something uniquely precious about robust congregational singing. It is a deeply moving experience to hear the saints of God around you pouring their hearts into songs of praise to our Lord! It often brings tears to the eyes. It reminds us that we are not alone – in either the pains of life or the joys of the gospel. We are a part of a body, the precious body of Christ. I suspect you feel the same way.

Consequently, I know that when people raise a concern about the songs we sing, they are doing it out of a place of deep appreciation for what we have and a genuine concern that we do not lose that. I’m very thankful for that. However, we do hear concerns from time to time. Sandra TerHaar, our Worship Coordinator, reports, “

“I receive input from members that we are not singing enough psalms, or not singing enough Trinity Hymnal songs, or not singing enough Contemporary songs.  I kind of think that if we’re getting that input from all worshipers, maybe we’re in the ballpark.”

The concerns are always raised in a loving way, with a tender tone. And we thank you for that! But in this post, I’d like to address a specific concern I’ve heard several times recently; namely, that our song selection is becoming more traditional. In other words, the concern is that we are not singing as many contemporary songs as we used to sing.

I asked Sandra TerHaar, our Worship Coordinator, to do a quick survey of the songs we’ve used in worship to see if this is the case. We took a snapshot of the first two months of the year for 2014, 2016, 2019, 2024.

Here is a summary of her report.  

“A quick comparison of the use of contemporary songs vs. traditional songs (e.g. Trinity Hymnal, Psalter Hymnal, and Trinity Psalter) during the two-month period of January-February was conducted for the years 2014, 2016, 2019, and 2024.”

Here are the results.  

Year

Total # of Songs

Contemporary Songs

Songs from Hymnals

Jan-Feb 2014

77

43%

57%

Jan-Feb 2016

94 (extra Sunday)

51%

49%

Jan-Feb 2019

77

49.4%

50.6%

Jan-Feb 2024

79

50.6%

49.4%

 

As you can see, 10 years ago we were singing slightly fewer contemporary songs. But since 2016, the numbers are nearly identical. 

This is very interesting since we don’t intentionally try to hit a certain percentage.  We focus on picking the best songs for each service, with a mind towards using both traditional and contemporary songs. The fact that we are consistently around 50/50 is somewhat remarkable.

It’s possible that the singing “feels” more traditional than it has in the past because we don’t currently have an instrumental group that uses bass guitar and drums as we did in the past. But the song selection has remained surprisingly consistent. 

Let me close with this reminder. Harvest is a wonderful blend of worship preferences and backgrounds. We have some folks from the Dutch Reformed background who appreciate selections from the blue Psalter Hymnal. Others were raised on the Trinity Hymnal and enjoy singing those familiar hymns of the faith. Some folks like the Psalms from the new Trinity Psalter Hymnal. We have others who love the old gospel hymns they grew up with. Our contemporary selections tend to be songs we’ve grown to love together. By using all these resources, I believe we are blessing the various parts of the body while still growing together in unity as one body. That seems like the way it ought to be.

The key is for us to appreciate our different backgrounds and preferences and joyfully sing the songs we don’t know as well or enjoy as much – in the comforting knowledge that others in the body are greatly blessed by it. The Lord not only delights in robust singing – but in the sincere love we express for one another as we sing. 

Most importantly, our deepest desire is to sing songs that are worthy of the worship of God and edifying for the faith and life of the congregation. We won’t always get it right and we are sincerely thankful for your input. Let’s strive to glorify God by keeping joyful, enthusiastic singing as a mark of our worship!

]]>
Witness Team Update + New “Grace Stories” Podcast https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/witness-team-update-new-grace-stories-podcast https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/witness-team-update-new-grace-stories-podcast#comments Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:58:35 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/witness-team-update-new-grace-stories-podcast Harvest’s witness team has been busy in 2024. Below is a list of things we ask that you pray for:

1) “Radius Days” Trip: Two weeks ago, Pastor Dale and 4 members of the witness team (Don McCrory, Chris DeRuischer, Elley Buehler and myself) as well as Amy DeRuischer, Nate and Evelyn Price attended Radius International in Tijuana, Mexico. The purpose of this was two-fold: along with supporting and encouraging Paige, we also want to also discern, from direct contact as a witness team, the degree of involvement and future partnerships Harvest should continue developing with Radius.

2) Foreign Missions Policy Document: Witness ministry team reviewed a draft foreign missions policy document. Our desire is to develop 2-4 relationships with solid, evangelistically focused, confessionally Reformed missionaries in fields where we see God converting people, and building up his church. We hope we can bring a proposed document to our March session meeting.

3) “Table” March 10 PM service: We are expanding the 9-1-1 concept we used last summer, to include an intentional push to invite any people that we know to worship with us at Harvest. On March 10th’s PM service, evangelist Chris Byrd (who plans to help us with the Boardwalk Chapel themed banquet the day before), will be leading us in a worship and outreach service. A meal will follow intending to warmly welcome those who attended that service. If you have friends or neighbors youve been thinking to invite to worship that would be a perfect Sunday (You certainly could invite them anytime from now until then too!)

4) Short Term Missions projects: The newly formed short/long-term mission subcommittee has been hard at work vetting potential places where Harvest members could serve. Missions teams are preparing for Boardwalk Chapel, a VBS trip in Puerto Rico, and considering other fields as well. If you are interested in short-term missions, feel free to send an email to witness@harvestopc.org.

5) Paul Washers “ Gospel of Jesus Christ:” Witness Ministry Team really appreciated Reformation Heritage Book’s outreach commitment to make Paul Washers tract widely available (the ebook is free). They are giving away one copy for every copy that is purchased within a time frame (more information below). The witness ministry team was gift many copies of the booklet. These are available for Harvest members. If you would like copies of the booklet to hand out, please let us know.

RHB writes,“ are committed to giving back - for every booklet we ship out to you during this highly discounted promotion, we will freely donate one to a needy mission, church, missionary organization, or individual domestically and across the world. We plan to give away 25,000 copies initially and have made the eBook available for free.”

6) Grace Stories: Finally, you can now listen to the first three parts of a “Grace Stories” interview. We are releasing this as a mini-series on the Simple Grace Radio podcast: we’ll be sharing God’s extraordinary transformation through ordinary Christians at Harvest. You can listen to that here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simple-grace-radio/id1607380335?i=1000643968182

Books I’m reading:

“New Book of Christian Martyrs” by Johnnie Moore and Jerry Pattengale. Believers in Christ continue to give their lives rather than deny Christ. In this remarkable book, Moore and Pattengale trace martyrs from every century of church history and give a brief explanation of why they laid down their lives for their faith. The purpose of studying martyrs lives is not to glory in the gory details. Instead, their deaths remind us that God’s call on our lives requires tangible sacrifice.

The most striking story to me was the death of two young mothers (Perpetua and Felicitas) who gave their lives at the turn of the 3rd century; both were so grateful to die courageously for Christ. I pray that God would work this same zeal in my life even though my life hasn’t yet been threatened for being a Christian. 

Hebrews 10:32-34 says, “…recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.”

My one significant critique of the book is the authors seem to relativize the differences between Christian conviction. All “faith traditions” (Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants) are accepted equally without digging into the necessity of our theological disagreements.

]]>
Harvest’s witness team has been busy in 2024. Below is a list of things we ask that you pray for:

1) “Radius Days” Trip: Two weeks ago, Pastor Dale and 4 members of the witness team (Don McCrory, Chris DeRuischer, Elley Buehler and myself) as well as Amy DeRuischer, Nate and Evelyn Price attended Radius International in Tijuana, Mexico. The purpose of this was two-fold: along with supporting and encouraging Paige, we also want to also discern, from direct contact as a witness team, the degree of involvement and future partnerships Harvest should continue developing with Radius.

2) Foreign Missions Policy Document: Witness ministry team reviewed a draft foreign missions policy document. Our desire is to develop 2-4 relationships with solid, evangelistically focused, confessionally Reformed missionaries in fields where we see God converting people, and building up his church. We hope we can bring a proposed document to our March session meeting.

3) “Table” March 10 PM service: We are expanding the 9-1-1 concept we used last summer, to include an intentional push to invite any people that we know to worship with us at Harvest. On March 10th’s PM service, evangelist Chris Byrd (who plans to help us with the Boardwalk Chapel themed banquet the day before), will be leading us in a worship and outreach service. A meal will follow intending to warmly welcome those who attended that service. If you have friends or neighbors youve been thinking to invite to worship that would be a perfect Sunday (You certainly could invite them anytime from now until then too!)

4) Short Term Missions projects: The newly formed short/long-term mission subcommittee has been hard at work vetting potential places where Harvest members could serve. Missions teams are preparing for Boardwalk Chapel, a VBS trip in Puerto Rico, and considering other fields as well. If you are interested in short-term missions, feel free to send an email to witness@harvestopc.org.

5) Paul Washers “ Gospel of Jesus Christ:” Witness Ministry Team really appreciated Reformation Heritage Book’s outreach commitment to make Paul Washers tract widely available (the ebook is free). They are giving away one copy for every copy that is purchased within a time frame (more information below). The witness ministry team was gift many copies of the booklet. These are available for Harvest members. If you would like copies of the booklet to hand out, please let us know.

RHB writes,“ are committed to giving back - for every booklet we ship out to you during this highly discounted promotion, we will freely donate one to a needy mission, church, missionary organization, or individual domestically and across the world. We plan to give away 25,000 copies initially and have made the eBook available for free.”

6) Grace Stories: Finally, you can now listen to the first three parts of a “Grace Stories” interview. We are releasing this as a mini-series on the Simple Grace Radio podcast: we’ll be sharing God’s extraordinary transformation through ordinary Christians at Harvest. You can listen to that here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simple-grace-radio/id1607380335?i=1000643968182

Books I’m reading:

“New Book of Christian Martyrs” by Johnnie Moore and Jerry Pattengale. Believers in Christ continue to give their lives rather than deny Christ. In this remarkable book, Moore and Pattengale trace martyrs from every century of church history and give a brief explanation of why they laid down their lives for their faith. The purpose of studying martyrs lives is not to glory in the gory details. Instead, their deaths remind us that God’s call on our lives requires tangible sacrifice.

The most striking story to me was the death of two young mothers (Perpetua and Felicitas) who gave their lives at the turn of the 3rd century; both were so grateful to die courageously for Christ. I pray that God would work this same zeal in my life even though my life hasn’t yet been threatened for being a Christian. 

Hebrews 10:32-34 says, “…recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.”

My one significant critique of the book is the authors seem to relativize the differences between Christian conviction. All “faith traditions” (Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants) are accepted equally without digging into the necessity of our theological disagreements.

]]>
Update from Pastor Dale https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/update-from-pastor-dale https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/update-from-pastor-dale#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/update-from-pastor-dale For the Pastor’s Post this week I would like to give you all a brief update on my life.  I’ve been gone for two weeks – but it feels longer than that and I am happy for the opportunity to reconnect! 

First of all, thank you for your prayers for the Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC (MTIOPC) Preaching class. As you know, I co-teach this class with Rev. Doug Clawson, the General Director of Foreign Missions. I have spent a good bit of time the past two months working on lectures, listening to sermons, writing extensive evaluations and corresponding with students. I was impressed with the quality guys we had this year. There are some excellent young preachers out there! The class went well and the men seemed blessed. Thank you for allowing me to participate in the larger ministry of the OPC in this way. It’s an honor and a joy to be able to encourage and help these younger men this way.   

Secondly, in the “What’s New?” department, last night the Session graciously approved a Sabbatical for me sometime later this year. I was scheduled for a Sabbatical in 2023 but Randy’s illness and the trial closed the door on that.  Since then, Joanne and I have spent time in prayer and conversation concerning whether or not I would take a sabbatical at all. I’ve been very ambivalent about it for several reasons:

  • I’m feeling energized in the ministry. The past year was very hard, but the Lord has blessed me with a fresh zeal for Christ and the gospel ministry. I don’t feel tired.  I’m excited about what the Lord is doing at Harvest and am eager to continue working together towards whatever Jesus has in store for us.
  • We are a bit short-staffed already with the loss of Greg Norfleet, and I’m reluctant to burden the other pastors with my absence. 
  • I have resisted the idea of taking a Sabbatical just because it’s my turn. Maybe that’s the rebellious part of me but, as I watch the hourglass on my ministry life slowly drain down, I’m eager to take full advantage of whatever time the Lord allows me to serve Him.  

However…

After a great deal of prayer, many conversation with Joanne, and input from the elders, I’ve decided that this is something I ought to do – for the following reasons. 

  1. The primary reason is because Joanne would really like me to take one and I really want to honor her in that. Joanne has been an astonishingly faithful and gracious companion in my ministry at Harvest for all these years. I couldn’t possibly have done this without her. She’s been my rock and loving companion every step of the way.  Joanne has been through so much and given so much as my loving wife and faithful ministry partner – and I would like to honor that by giving her what she would really like - some dedicated away time for just the two of us, to do whatever she would like to do. The thought of blessing her this way gives me joy as I plan for the sabbatical. 

  2. I would like to do some serious reading on the topic of Spiritual Leadership and take some coaching from Craig Glassock. Pastor Wayne has been working with Craig for a while now, and highly recommends him. There’s a lot I would like to learn before I retire, and this would be a great opportunity to do that.

  3. I would also like to spend significant time in devotional reading and prayer (like I did this past September). That was tremendously helpful and I’m still benefitting from it. My prayer is that I would come out of this sabbatical more in love with Christ, more dependent on Him, and more useful to Him.

  4. This coming August 1 will mark the 30-year anniversary of my ministry at Harvest. That seems like a nice, natural time to do something like this.  

  5. Pastor Wayne, Pastor Adrian, and Brennen have strongly encouraged me to do this – and they have proven to be more than capable of keeping the ministry moving forward in my absence. I am so thankful for these brothers! 

I am working on drawing up a concrete proposal for the Session (dates, itinerary, specific books, etc.) which will be approved at a future meeting. Thank you for allowing me this privilege. I realize it is a gift, not something I’ve earned, and I am deeply thankful for it. 

Gratefully yours,
Pastor Dale 

]]>
For the Pastor’s Post this week I would like to give you all a brief update on my life.  I’ve been gone for two weeks – but it feels longer than that and I am happy for the opportunity to reconnect! 

First of all, thank you for your prayers for the Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC (MTIOPC) Preaching class. As you know, I co-teach this class with Rev. Doug Clawson, the General Director of Foreign Missions. I have spent a good bit of time the past two months working on lectures, listening to sermons, writing extensive evaluations and corresponding with students. I was impressed with the quality guys we had this year. There are some excellent young preachers out there! The class went well and the men seemed blessed. Thank you for allowing me to participate in the larger ministry of the OPC in this way. It’s an honor and a joy to be able to encourage and help these younger men this way.   

Secondly, in the “What’s New?” department, last night the Session graciously approved a Sabbatical for me sometime later this year. I was scheduled for a Sabbatical in 2023 but Randy’s illness and the trial closed the door on that.  Since then, Joanne and I have spent time in prayer and conversation concerning whether or not I would take a sabbatical at all. I’ve been very ambivalent about it for several reasons:

  • I’m feeling energized in the ministry. The past year was very hard, but the Lord has blessed me with a fresh zeal for Christ and the gospel ministry. I don’t feel tired.  I’m excited about what the Lord is doing at Harvest and am eager to continue working together towards whatever Jesus has in store for us.
  • We are a bit short-staffed already with the loss of Greg Norfleet, and I’m reluctant to burden the other pastors with my absence. 
  • I have resisted the idea of taking a Sabbatical just because it’s my turn. Maybe that’s the rebellious part of me but, as I watch the hourglass on my ministry life slowly drain down, I’m eager to take full advantage of whatever time the Lord allows me to serve Him.  

However…

After a great deal of prayer, many conversation with Joanne, and input from the elders, I’ve decided that this is something I ought to do – for the following reasons. 

  1. The primary reason is because Joanne would really like me to take one and I really want to honor her in that. Joanne has been an astonishingly faithful and gracious companion in my ministry at Harvest for all these years. I couldn’t possibly have done this without her. She’s been my rock and loving companion every step of the way.  Joanne has been through so much and given so much as my loving wife and faithful ministry partner – and I would like to honor that by giving her what she would really like - some dedicated away time for just the two of us, to do whatever she would like to do. The thought of blessing her this way gives me joy as I plan for the sabbatical. 

  2. I would like to do some serious reading on the topic of Spiritual Leadership and take some coaching from Craig Glassock. Pastor Wayne has been working with Craig for a while now, and highly recommends him. There’s a lot I would like to learn before I retire, and this would be a great opportunity to do that.

  3. I would also like to spend significant time in devotional reading and prayer (like I did this past September). That was tremendously helpful and I’m still benefitting from it. My prayer is that I would come out of this sabbatical more in love with Christ, more dependent on Him, and more useful to Him.

  4. This coming August 1 will mark the 30-year anniversary of my ministry at Harvest. That seems like a nice, natural time to do something like this.  

  5. Pastor Wayne, Pastor Adrian, and Brennen have strongly encouraged me to do this – and they have proven to be more than capable of keeping the ministry moving forward in my absence. I am so thankful for these brothers! 

I am working on drawing up a concrete proposal for the Session (dates, itinerary, specific books, etc.) which will be approved at a future meeting. Thank you for allowing me this privilege. I realize it is a gift, not something I’ve earned, and I am deeply thankful for it. 

Gratefully yours,
Pastor Dale 

]]>
Goodbye to 2023 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/goodbye-to-2023 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/goodbye-to-2023#comments Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:24:28 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/goodbye-to-2023 It’s come time to bid “goodbye” to the year of our Lord, 2023. This wasn’t an easy year for me. This will always be the year that we lost my dear brother, Randy. But there were several hard things this year: the charges brought against me, the animosity of former friends, the various struggles and heartaches of members of the flock here at Harvest, the devastating and demonic darkness descending on our country, and, of course, the constant battle with my own sin, the flesh and the Devil. Of course, I’m not unique in this. Every one of you could write your own list of trials and tears this year. We all walk the same road and experience the common brokenness and wickedness of this present age. As Moses writes in Psalm 90, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble.”  

But there’s one thing that gives me great joy as I look back over this year.  The year of our Lord 2023 was truly the year of our Lord. Our Sovereign Lord ordained every detail of 2023 and, as such, 2023 was a colossal success. Nothing happened in 2023 contrary to, or apart from, His good and perfect will.  Every single thing that happened this year - in our personal life, in the church of Christ, or in the world around - happened “according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph 1:11). That gives me great joy. Our God triumphed this year.  King Jesus didn’t lose a single battle, did not suffer one solitary set-back, was not frustrated in a single purpose or denied a single desire. In every possible way, Jesus our Lord accomplished His majestic, redemption agenda. He perfectly carried out His glorious will and moved this whole groaning creation one step closer to the coming renewal of all things. 

In that regard, 2023 was a very, very good year. It served God’s saving purposes for us in every way. No matter what trials or heartaches we experienced this past year, we can look back with satisfaction and joy, for “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11).  

And the wonderful thing is – a year from now we will be able to say all the same things about 2024. It will be another year filled with trials and tears.  But it will be another year in which we are sovereignly protected and lovingly “kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 2).  Every single thing that happens in 2024 will be according to our Father’s will, and our Savior’s purposes, and our eternal good. And so, we have every reason to have joy as we close out one year and face another.  No matter how hard the road of 2023 may have been, or 2024 might be – the goodness and mercy of our Lord will follow us all the days of our life.  And one day soon, we will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever (Ps 23:6).  Happy New Year! 

]]>
It’s come time to bid “goodbye” to the year of our Lord, 2023. This wasn’t an easy year for me. This will always be the year that we lost my dear brother, Randy. But there were several hard things this year: the charges brought against me, the animosity of former friends, the various struggles and heartaches of members of the flock here at Harvest, the devastating and demonic darkness descending on our country, and, of course, the constant battle with my own sin, the flesh and the Devil. Of course, I’m not unique in this. Every one of you could write your own list of trials and tears this year. We all walk the same road and experience the common brokenness and wickedness of this present age. As Moses writes in Psalm 90, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble.”  

But there’s one thing that gives me great joy as I look back over this year.  The year of our Lord 2023 was truly the year of our Lord. Our Sovereign Lord ordained every detail of 2023 and, as such, 2023 was a colossal success. Nothing happened in 2023 contrary to, or apart from, His good and perfect will.  Every single thing that happened this year - in our personal life, in the church of Christ, or in the world around - happened “according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Eph 1:11). That gives me great joy. Our God triumphed this year.  King Jesus didn’t lose a single battle, did not suffer one solitary set-back, was not frustrated in a single purpose or denied a single desire. In every possible way, Jesus our Lord accomplished His majestic, redemption agenda. He perfectly carried out His glorious will and moved this whole groaning creation one step closer to the coming renewal of all things. 

In that regard, 2023 was a very, very good year. It served God’s saving purposes for us in every way. No matter what trials or heartaches we experienced this past year, we can look back with satisfaction and joy, for “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11).  

And the wonderful thing is – a year from now we will be able to say all the same things about 2024. It will be another year filled with trials and tears.  But it will be another year in which we are sovereignly protected and lovingly “kept for Jesus Christ” (Jude 2).  Every single thing that happens in 2024 will be according to our Father’s will, and our Savior’s purposes, and our eternal good. And so, we have every reason to have joy as we close out one year and face another.  No matter how hard the road of 2023 may have been, or 2024 might be – the goodness and mercy of our Lord will follow us all the days of our life.  And one day soon, we will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever (Ps 23:6).  Happy New Year! 

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Thoughts Following the Christmas Program https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/thoughts-following-the-christmas-program https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/thoughts-following-the-christmas-program#comments Fri, 22 Dec 2023 16:21:22 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/thoughts-following-the-christmas-program The Christmas program this past Sunday evening was a delightful reminder to me of the goodness of God revealed in the wonder of children. I had the unique perspective of watching the congregation as you all watched the children. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more joy on the faces of God’s people than I saw Sunday night. Nearly every face was adorned with shining eyes and a beautiful smile. Some were quietly laughing with delight. Many, particularly those in the back, were straining to see. The joy was pervasive. The room was overflowing with a deep, heartfelt gladness. 

 What was the cause of such unusual and evident delight? It was the sight of approximately 140 children reciting the gospel of Luke with enthusiasm and praising God with exuberance. The sight of children eagerly participating in the worship of God is one of the most beautiful sights this world can afford. It is “good” in the deepest, truest sense of the word.  It is good in a way that reflects the original goodness of God’s beautiful creation - where things were as they ought to be and all things were saturated with delight.  C.S. Lewis once said that “joy is the serious business of heaven.” If that’s the case, and I think it is, then we caught of glimpse of it Sunday night. 

As I reflect on that beautiful moment, I’m struck by two things:

1. This is a large reason why we exist as a church. We exist to pass the true and living faith down to the next generation. God has given all these precious boys and girls to us so that we can teach them the gospel and, by the grace and power of the Spirit, see them own for themselves the true Christian faith. This is an essential part of God’s calling on us as His covenant people.  We see this in God’s call to Abraham, “the father of those who believe”.

Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord…

We exist, as the church of Jesus Christ, in large part, to teach the following generation to “keep the way of the Lord”. Yes, we must preach to the nations and reach out to our community – and I’m excited to see Harvest continue to grow in both areas.  But one of the reasons I’m excited about those “outward” gospel ministries is because I believe it is one of the best things we can do for the “inward” mission God has given us in our children. We have a critical mission-field right in our midst – to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to these precious souls He has given to us. Throughout history, this has been Christ’s primary way of building His Church. What a wonderful stewardship the Lord has given to us. How blessed we truly are! 

2. Those precious, worshiping children are the epicenter of God’s loving eye – and the target of the Devil’s desires. As I’ve been preparing my Christmas messages these past two weeks, I’ve been struck by the stark contrast between good and evil as revealed in the response to children.  On the one hand you see Mary, Elizabeth, the angels, the shepherds, and the magi all celebrating the Holy Child with worship and songs of joy.  On the other hand, you have Herod - who hated the Child and slaughtered the children of Bethlehem.  In his commentary on Matthew, Dale F. Bruner made the point that those who hate the Child, always end up hurting children. Isn’t that true?  Isn’t that what we see in our world today? As our culture becomes increasingly pagan, it is becoming increasingly brutal towards children. The Devil hates what God most loves and so it is no surprise that he abhors covenant children.

God’s people, on the other hand, are known by their delight in God’s precious little ones. The joy of the Christmas service was not merely because of “cuteness” – though the little pre-k’s quoting Luke is about the cutest thing you’ll ever see.  But I’m convinced that the joy was because of the sheer goodness of the moment as we reveled in the fervency with which those children sang, and the joyful faith they displayed. It was a precious sight not just because they are our kids, but because they are God’s kids – and He most certainly delights in their praises!  I can’t help but believe that the joy revealed in the faces of the congregation was a reflection of the joy of our Lord himself. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your worshiping children! 

P.s. I would like to publicly thank all those at Harvest church who minister to these children: nursery attendants, Sunday School teachers, Cadet leaders, Girls of Grace leaders, and every member of the body who intentionally shows the love and grace of Jesus to His little ones. Thank you so much for your loving, sacrificial ministry to these precious children! 

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The Christmas program this past Sunday evening was a delightful reminder to me of the goodness of God revealed in the wonder of children. I had the unique perspective of watching the congregation as you all watched the children. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more joy on the faces of God’s people than I saw Sunday night. Nearly every face was adorned with shining eyes and a beautiful smile. Some were quietly laughing with delight. Many, particularly those in the back, were straining to see. The joy was pervasive. The room was overflowing with a deep, heartfelt gladness. 

 What was the cause of such unusual and evident delight? It was the sight of approximately 140 children reciting the gospel of Luke with enthusiasm and praising God with exuberance. The sight of children eagerly participating in the worship of God is one of the most beautiful sights this world can afford. It is “good” in the deepest, truest sense of the word.  It is good in a way that reflects the original goodness of God’s beautiful creation - where things were as they ought to be and all things were saturated with delight.  C.S. Lewis once said that “joy is the serious business of heaven.” If that’s the case, and I think it is, then we caught of glimpse of it Sunday night. 

As I reflect on that beautiful moment, I’m struck by two things:

1. This is a large reason why we exist as a church. We exist to pass the true and living faith down to the next generation. God has given all these precious boys and girls to us so that we can teach them the gospel and, by the grace and power of the Spirit, see them own for themselves the true Christian faith. This is an essential part of God’s calling on us as His covenant people.  We see this in God’s call to Abraham, “the father of those who believe”.

Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord…

We exist, as the church of Jesus Christ, in large part, to teach the following generation to “keep the way of the Lord”. Yes, we must preach to the nations and reach out to our community – and I’m excited to see Harvest continue to grow in both areas.  But one of the reasons I’m excited about those “outward” gospel ministries is because I believe it is one of the best things we can do for the “inward” mission God has given us in our children. We have a critical mission-field right in our midst – to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ to these precious souls He has given to us. Throughout history, this has been Christ’s primary way of building His Church. What a wonderful stewardship the Lord has given to us. How blessed we truly are! 

2. Those precious, worshiping children are the epicenter of God’s loving eye – and the target of the Devil’s desires. As I’ve been preparing my Christmas messages these past two weeks, I’ve been struck by the stark contrast between good and evil as revealed in the response to children.  On the one hand you see Mary, Elizabeth, the angels, the shepherds, and the magi all celebrating the Holy Child with worship and songs of joy.  On the other hand, you have Herod - who hated the Child and slaughtered the children of Bethlehem.  In his commentary on Matthew, Dale F. Bruner made the point that those who hate the Child, always end up hurting children. Isn’t that true?  Isn’t that what we see in our world today? As our culture becomes increasingly pagan, it is becoming increasingly brutal towards children. The Devil hates what God most loves and so it is no surprise that he abhors covenant children.

God’s people, on the other hand, are known by their delight in God’s precious little ones. The joy of the Christmas service was not merely because of “cuteness” – though the little pre-k’s quoting Luke is about the cutest thing you’ll ever see.  But I’m convinced that the joy was because of the sheer goodness of the moment as we reveled in the fervency with which those children sang, and the joyful faith they displayed. It was a precious sight not just because they are our kids, but because they are God’s kids – and He most certainly delights in their praises!  I can’t help but believe that the joy revealed in the faces of the congregation was a reflection of the joy of our Lord himself. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your worshiping children! 

P.s. I would like to publicly thank all those at Harvest church who minister to these children: nursery attendants, Sunday School teachers, Cadet leaders, Girls of Grace leaders, and every member of the body who intentionally shows the love and grace of Jesus to His little ones. Thank you so much for your loving, sacrificial ministry to these precious children! 

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Mission Week https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/mission-week https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/mission-week#comments Fri, 08 Dec 2023 12:10:44 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/mission-week These past few days have been very rewarding. I’m in southern California for Home Missions Board meetings and I’ve told several people that this has been the most enjoyable Home Missions meeting I’ve ever attended (and I’ve been on the Board for 16 years). 

So, why was it so special? The greatest blessing was to hear from 5 church planting pastor’s serving here in Southern California and Arizona. They were very different in personalities and gifts but each are doing a wonderful job reaching their communities for Christ.  

  • Joel Ellis, pastor of Reformation Bible Church in Apache Junction, AZ, is leading Bible several Bible studies in the community each week.  
  • David Shexnayder, pastor of a new church plant in Scottsdale, spoke of how their small groups are intentionally inviting people to eat, read Scripture and pray with them. David pointed out that people in Arizona are isolated from community.  It is something very tangible the church can offer in the name of Christ.  He told an unconverted single mother from the East Coast who, after spending two months with the people of the church, decided to move to Arizona just to be a part of this new community. She and her daughter are now members and she claims the congregation as her new family. 
  • Mark Jenkins, from Resurrection OPC in Anaheim Hills, told of their outreach ministry to a nearby home for homeless and special needs adults.  He leads a Bible study there each week and folks from there are beginning to attend Resurrection.  He spoke, with tears, about how the members of the church are loving and caring for these “least of the least” – and the profound impact this is having on his own children, as they see the love of Christ being manifested through the church in this simple, profound way. His teenage children are very impressed and proud of their little church! 

These stories got me to thinking about how we can be more intentional about reaching out to our community.  What impressed me was how simple and natural these outreach efforts are: invite people into your home for a meal with your small group; open the Bible with someone and read it with them; notice a nearby need and begin ministering there. 

I was particularly inspired by David Shexnayder’s presentation.  It’s true that people who grew up in West Michigan have a lot more community in their extended families, HS friends, etc. But that’s if you grew up here. There are MANY people new to West Michigan who do not have friends or family. They are hungry for community – and there is nothing in the world that can match the true love and fellowship found in the body of Christ. Let’s prayerfully look for ways to share that with them!  

Would you be willing to pray for the Lord to show you how you could get involved in the gospel mission? The Lord loves to answer such prayers! 

 On Wednesday Steve VanderWey and I had the chance to slip over the border and visit Paige in Tijuana. We heard a terrific 4-hour presentation by George Walker, a former missionary in Papua New Guinea. He was teaching a class of 40 young men and women, (all of whom are planning to go to unreached people groups), how to interpret a culture.  This is critical for faithful and effective gospel ministry in a foreign land – and increasingly necessary for our own context. As our culture becomes increasingly post-Christian, it is becoming progressively “foreign” to us, and we need to work to understand it if we want to reach them with the gospel of Christ. 

Let me close with one great story from George Walker.  They were teaching a group of 30 tribes people about the Bible, beginning in Genesis. (George emphasized how important it is to start in Genesis so that people can grasp the nature of God, the glory of God’s creation, and the tragedy of the Fall – and all the devastating, present results of it.)  Tribal groups all have their own understanding of what the Deity must be like and why people suffer and die. When George told them the truth from the Word, and how the Devil has filled the world with his lies, the people were astonished.  In fact, one man in the front jumped up and yelled out, “We’ve been deceived!!” The Light was dispelling the darkness.  May God give us the joy of leading people out of the deceptive lies of the Devil into the beautiful light and life of Jesus Christ. 

Best thing I’ve read recently: Kevin DeYoung had a brilliant, very helpful article on Doug Wilson. This is such a helpful insight into our cultural moment.   

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These past few days have been very rewarding. I’m in southern California for Home Missions Board meetings and I’ve told several people that this has been the most enjoyable Home Missions meeting I’ve ever attended (and I’ve been on the Board for 16 years). 

So, why was it so special? The greatest blessing was to hear from 5 church planting pastor’s serving here in Southern California and Arizona. They were very different in personalities and gifts but each are doing a wonderful job reaching their communities for Christ.  

  • Joel Ellis, pastor of Reformation Bible Church in Apache Junction, AZ, is leading Bible several Bible studies in the community each week.  
  • David Shexnayder, pastor of a new church plant in Scottsdale, spoke of how their small groups are intentionally inviting people to eat, read Scripture and pray with them. David pointed out that people in Arizona are isolated from community.  It is something very tangible the church can offer in the name of Christ.  He told an unconverted single mother from the East Coast who, after spending two months with the people of the church, decided to move to Arizona just to be a part of this new community. She and her daughter are now members and she claims the congregation as her new family. 
  • Mark Jenkins, from Resurrection OPC in Anaheim Hills, told of their outreach ministry to a nearby home for homeless and special needs adults.  He leads a Bible study there each week and folks from there are beginning to attend Resurrection.  He spoke, with tears, about how the members of the church are loving and caring for these “least of the least” – and the profound impact this is having on his own children, as they see the love of Christ being manifested through the church in this simple, profound way. His teenage children are very impressed and proud of their little church! 

These stories got me to thinking about how we can be more intentional about reaching out to our community.  What impressed me was how simple and natural these outreach efforts are: invite people into your home for a meal with your small group; open the Bible with someone and read it with them; notice a nearby need and begin ministering there. 

I was particularly inspired by David Shexnayder’s presentation.  It’s true that people who grew up in West Michigan have a lot more community in their extended families, HS friends, etc. But that’s if you grew up here. There are MANY people new to West Michigan who do not have friends or family. They are hungry for community – and there is nothing in the world that can match the true love and fellowship found in the body of Christ. Let’s prayerfully look for ways to share that with them!  

Would you be willing to pray for the Lord to show you how you could get involved in the gospel mission? The Lord loves to answer such prayers! 

 On Wednesday Steve VanderWey and I had the chance to slip over the border and visit Paige in Tijuana. We heard a terrific 4-hour presentation by George Walker, a former missionary in Papua New Guinea. He was teaching a class of 40 young men and women, (all of whom are planning to go to unreached people groups), how to interpret a culture.  This is critical for faithful and effective gospel ministry in a foreign land – and increasingly necessary for our own context. As our culture becomes increasingly post-Christian, it is becoming progressively “foreign” to us, and we need to work to understand it if we want to reach them with the gospel of Christ. 

Let me close with one great story from George Walker.  They were teaching a group of 30 tribes people about the Bible, beginning in Genesis. (George emphasized how important it is to start in Genesis so that people can grasp the nature of God, the glory of God’s creation, and the tragedy of the Fall – and all the devastating, present results of it.)  Tribal groups all have their own understanding of what the Deity must be like and why people suffer and die. When George told them the truth from the Word, and how the Devil has filled the world with his lies, the people were astonished.  In fact, one man in the front jumped up and yelled out, “We’ve been deceived!!” The Light was dispelling the darkness.  May God give us the joy of leading people out of the deceptive lies of the Devil into the beautiful light and life of Jesus Christ. 

Best thing I’ve read recently: Kevin DeYoung had a brilliant, very helpful article on Doug Wilson. This is such a helpful insight into our cultural moment.   

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Why I Give Thanks for You in 2023! https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/why-i-give-thanks-for-you-in-2023 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/why-i-give-thanks-for-you-in-2023#comments Sat, 02 Dec 2023 10:08:36 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/why-i-give-thanks-for-you-in-2023 Most of the letters in the New Testament open with a hearty, “thank you!” This gratitude isn’t random. Whether it’s Paul or John, the New Testament authors intentionally voice their gratitude for the faith and transformation they see in Christ’s churches expanding through the world.

Take a look at the underlining in the 11 passages below:

  1. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.” - Romans 1:8
  2. “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus…” - 1 Corinthians 1:4
  3. “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…”- Ephesians 1:15–16
  4. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” - Philippians 1:3–5
  5. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints…” - Colossians 1:3–4
  6. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
  7.  “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.” - 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4
  8. “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” - 2 Timothy 1:3–5
  9. “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” - Philemon 4–7
  10.  “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” - 2 John 4
  11.  “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” - 3 John 3–4

Paul thanks God for the faith of the churches he is writing to, while John describes their faith as his “children walking in the truth.” But both feel compelled to begin their letters with gratitude.

As I close this year, I feel compelled to say, “thank you” to God for his work in our lives. I don’t do this in a sentimental or light-hearted way. The year has had its share of heartbreaking sadnesses, consistent sicknesses in our family and I know many at Harvest have walked through significant suffering. But, following in the pattern of Paul and John, I have to say “thank you” to God for the grace that I see at work in the lives of Harvest members.

One of the clear examples of this, is the Witness Ministry Team’s development and growth the last two years. When I arrived in the summer of 2021, we began with a team of 3 or 4 people who predated my time at Harvest. The first steps, as a team, were a bit wobbly as we were uncertain of what working together as a witness team should look like. 

Learning to lead a team was an area where I needed to grow significantly. I had never done anything like this in previous ministry. By God’s grace, two years later, we have 9 witness team members (Elley Buehler, Chris DeRuischer, Nicki Gotch (treasurer), Don McCrory, Joseph Turnbull, Derek Stumph, Carol VanWyke (clerk),  Brennen Winter & me). In our last meeting, we also had two additional visitors who were interested to learn more about the witness ministry team. If you would like to visit, please don’t hesitate to send me a note (adrian.crum@harvestopc.org)!

In our last two meetings, we have developed and implemented witness team subcommittees: 

1. Events
2. Short/long-term missions
3. Evangelism training. 

These three groups will be: 1. Developing, planning and recruiting volunteers for our evangelistic events, 2. Expanding relationships with foreign missionaries, vetting, promoting and coordinating short-term mission trips, and 3. Training Harvest members to grow in joy, clarity and boldness in learning how to talk to non-Christians.

Our witness ministry team meets on the same evenings as ESL. This gives us the opportunity to sit down with the students over their snack break, and get to see the wonderful work that the Lord is doing through our volunteers on Thursday nights.

Another area of growth and stability I’ve seen is Harvest’s Anchored Youth group. I am so grateful for 12 solid adult volunteer leaders: Rick and Sarah Bierling, Justin Bromhead, Bani Li, Jim Noorman, Scott Post, Josh Richline, Steve and Susan Vanderwey, Sonia Wielhouwer, Brennen Winter & me. We have also resumed a practice, from a few years ago, of encouraging our seniors to lead the Bible study discussions. This is a great opportunity for leadership development, and to see older students challenging those younger than them to grow in the Gospel. The youth group is about to complete a series in the book of Philippians using an excellent study written by Elaine Monsma.

This coming summer, Anchored Youth plans to return to Boardwalk Chapel (June 22-29). For the first time, Grace Fellowship has been praying about sending some of their youth group members to join us on this trip. We look forward to a Boardwalk Chapel themed Missions Banquet (March 9, 2023). Mark your calendars! More information coming soon.

I could list the hundreds of encouraging conversations, times of prayer and growth I’ve seen in our church in 2023 with so many Harvest members. But I’m running out of space in this post! Praise the Lord for his faithfulness another year as we make our pilgrimage of faith to our everlasting rest in Heaven. May God do wonderful things in us and through us in 2024!

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Most of the letters in the New Testament open with a hearty, “thank you!” This gratitude isn’t random. Whether it’s Paul or John, the New Testament authors intentionally voice their gratitude for the faith and transformation they see in Christ’s churches expanding through the world.

Take a look at the underlining in the 11 passages below:

  1. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world.” - Romans 1:8
  2. “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus…” - 1 Corinthians 1:4
  3. “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers…”- Ephesians 1:15–16
  4. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” - Philippians 1:3–5
  5. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints…” - Colossians 1:3–4
  6. “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
  7.  “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.” - 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4
  8. “I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” - 2 Timothy 1:3–5
  9. “I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” - Philemon 4–7
  10.  “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” - 2 John 4
  11.  “For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” - 3 John 3–4

Paul thanks God for the faith of the churches he is writing to, while John describes their faith as his “children walking in the truth.” But both feel compelled to begin their letters with gratitude.

As I close this year, I feel compelled to say, “thank you” to God for his work in our lives. I don’t do this in a sentimental or light-hearted way. The year has had its share of heartbreaking sadnesses, consistent sicknesses in our family and I know many at Harvest have walked through significant suffering. But, following in the pattern of Paul and John, I have to say “thank you” to God for the grace that I see at work in the lives of Harvest members.

One of the clear examples of this, is the Witness Ministry Team’s development and growth the last two years. When I arrived in the summer of 2021, we began with a team of 3 or 4 people who predated my time at Harvest. The first steps, as a team, were a bit wobbly as we were uncertain of what working together as a witness team should look like. 

Learning to lead a team was an area where I needed to grow significantly. I had never done anything like this in previous ministry. By God’s grace, two years later, we have 9 witness team members (Elley Buehler, Chris DeRuischer, Nicki Gotch (treasurer), Don McCrory, Joseph Turnbull, Derek Stumph, Carol VanWyke (clerk),  Brennen Winter & me). In our last meeting, we also had two additional visitors who were interested to learn more about the witness ministry team. If you would like to visit, please don’t hesitate to send me a note (adrian.crum@harvestopc.org)!

In our last two meetings, we have developed and implemented witness team subcommittees: 

1. Events
2. Short/long-term missions
3. Evangelism training. 

These three groups will be: 1. Developing, planning and recruiting volunteers for our evangelistic events, 2. Expanding relationships with foreign missionaries, vetting, promoting and coordinating short-term mission trips, and 3. Training Harvest members to grow in joy, clarity and boldness in learning how to talk to non-Christians.

Our witness ministry team meets on the same evenings as ESL. This gives us the opportunity to sit down with the students over their snack break, and get to see the wonderful work that the Lord is doing through our volunteers on Thursday nights.

Another area of growth and stability I’ve seen is Harvest’s Anchored Youth group. I am so grateful for 12 solid adult volunteer leaders: Rick and Sarah Bierling, Justin Bromhead, Bani Li, Jim Noorman, Scott Post, Josh Richline, Steve and Susan Vanderwey, Sonia Wielhouwer, Brennen Winter & me. We have also resumed a practice, from a few years ago, of encouraging our seniors to lead the Bible study discussions. This is a great opportunity for leadership development, and to see older students challenging those younger than them to grow in the Gospel. The youth group is about to complete a series in the book of Philippians using an excellent study written by Elaine Monsma.

This coming summer, Anchored Youth plans to return to Boardwalk Chapel (June 22-29). For the first time, Grace Fellowship has been praying about sending some of their youth group members to join us on this trip. We look forward to a Boardwalk Chapel themed Missions Banquet (March 9, 2023). Mark your calendars! More information coming soon.

I could list the hundreds of encouraging conversations, times of prayer and growth I’ve seen in our church in 2023 with so many Harvest members. But I’m running out of space in this post! Praise the Lord for his faithfulness another year as we make our pilgrimage of faith to our everlasting rest in Heaven. May God do wonderful things in us and through us in 2024!

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Why I Am Excited about Harvest Church https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/why-i-am-excited-about-harvest-church https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/why-i-am-excited-about-harvest-church#comments Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:46:43 -0500 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/why-i-am-excited-about-harvest-church Why I Am Excited about Harvest Church

I’ve been in a great mood this week—and I’m trying to figure out why. I think the sunshine has a lot to do with it. As the great philosopher John Denver said, “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” I plan on living in a very sunny place in heaven. 

But it’s more than just the weather. I am genuinely excited about the future of Harvest Church. (Side note: I ran into my 1st grade school teacher this past weekend, at the Ligonier Conference in Hamilton, Ont.  She says that she remembers me well.  When I asked her why, she said, “You were always so excited.”  I can’t help but wondering which of her gray hairs were caused by the unrestrained enthusiasm of my 6 year-old self.  Oh well, what’s done is done.) 

Well, I’m excited now as well.  I was in Orlando for two days last week. John Shaw, General Secretary of Home Missions for the OPC, asked me to speak to a group of OPC pastor’s and elders about what we’ve learned from planting churches. It was a great time to reflect on what God has done through us – and to think about things we did well and areas where we need to improve.  I’ll talk more about that some other time.  But people would come up and ask how I’m doing, and how Harvest is doing.  And I was glad to be able to say, “We’re doing well.” 

Here are some of the things that excite me about Harvest.

  • I’m excited by the new spirit of unity, peace, and joy in the congregation.  We’ve been through a rough spell, a time of testing and trial. We’ve seen dear friends and former members leave.  I’ve been through charges and walked with my dear brother Randy to the doorway to heaven.  All this has been according to God’s ordained will for me and for us – and all of it meant for our good (Romans 8:28).  I can testify that God has used the trials of this past year for my personal good.  But I’m convinced that God purposed these hardships for the good of the congregation as a whole.  “He disciplines us for our good – that we might bear the ‘fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:10-11).  Therefore, I believe we have solid biblical reasons for confidence that God will “make us glad for as many days as (He has) afflicted us” (Ps 90:15).  I believe, in the providence of God, that our best is yet to come.
  • I’m excited by the humility, unity of heart, and spiritual wisdom I see in the elders. They have navigated the difficult path of the past 2 years with great wisdom. The Session is currently working on some very important things: shepherding, building, staffing, church planting, intentional discipleship and ministry strategy – and are finding a wonderful unity of heart and mind as we go.  When we do disagree, there is respectful discussion and mutual submission.  It’s a joy to watch and a privilege to be a part of it. Very encouraging.
  • I’m excited about what the Lord is teaching me concerning embracing humility and repentance and prayer as the way of doing life and doing ministry. I’m not there yet – but the path is clearer than it’s been before and I’m excited about what God will teach me in the years ahead. Aren’t you glad that our Lord persists in our sanctification all the way to the end??  I am! 
  • I’m excited by the forming vision for moving forward.  The Session is continuing the conversations we started at the elder’s retreat. Please pray for us as we devote ourselves over these next 2 months to forming specific plans for moving forward in the ministry of the gospel here in West Michigan. 
  • I’m excited by seeing the Lord turn our attention, as a church, more and more ‘outward’ – to the lost in our community and around the world.  
    • A few weeks ago, a sister here at Harvest introduced me to a Vietnamese woman from the neighborhood with whom she is reading the Bible. They are already through Genesis and making progress in Leviticus.  That’s wonderful!  
    • The ESL class is continuing to grow and the volunteers are building meaningful relationships with people from all over the world for the Name of Christ. Perfect!  
    • Paige VanderWey is in Tijuana preparing to spend her life bringing the gospel to an unreached people group.  That’s tremendous!  I am praying that the Lord will use Paige to help all of us grow a missionary mindset.  It’s very exciting to think about how God could use our life and this church to impact people around the globe for Christ.
  • Several elders and pastors met with the Love and Truth counseling/discipling team a few weeks ago. What a joy to see what the Lord is doing through that ministry! I was just talking this week with someone who has taken the “Real Change” class and found it to be extremely helpful for their own growth in Christ. That’s exactly what we want the Lord to do for us and among us – transform lives by the power of His truth and grace!  There is some very exciting ministry happening through our Love and Truth team.  

Friends, I’m excited to think about what the Lord might do, by His power and for His glory, among and through us, as we continue to grow in intentional discipleship,  missional outreach, and church planting. I believe that Harvest’s best days are yet to come – and that’s very exciting. Of course, there is a lot that needs to be done as we move forward.  But all the “heavy lifting” is on the shoulders of our Lord Jesus.  He has promised that He will build His church. Praise God! We are just called to abide in Him, allow His word to abide in us, and then ask for whatever we wish – leaning on Him in expectant prayer (John 15:7).  That’s a church that will bear much fruit for the glory of God the Father.  And that’s a really exciting place to be! 

P.s. I realize that not every person reading this will share, or maybe even appreciate, my enthusiasm.  I didn’t write this to overlook your concerns or questions or fears.  But, if I’ve just described you, I would ask one thing.  Would you be willing to prayerfully ask the Lord to show you how to move forward?  We are not meant to abide in cynicism, uncertainty, or fear. We are meant to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58).  Has Harvest “arrived”?  Of course not.  Are there things we need to learn and change?  Absolutely.  But that’s true of every believer, isn’t it. What gives me great anticipation for our future together is that Harvest church belongs to Jesus and the Lord Himself promises to teach us and lead us in all these things, as we abide in His truth and strive, with humility and love, to follow Him. My prayer is that, as you trust in Him, you too will become newly excited about what He is doing right in here at Harvest Church!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Why I Am Excited about Harvest Church

I’ve been in a great mood this week—and I’m trying to figure out why. I think the sunshine has a lot to do with it. As the great philosopher John Denver said, “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” I plan on living in a very sunny place in heaven. 

But it’s more than just the weather. I am genuinely excited about the future of Harvest Church. (Side note: I ran into my 1st grade school teacher this past weekend, at the Ligonier Conference in Hamilton, Ont.  She says that she remembers me well.  When I asked her why, she said, “You were always so excited.”  I can’t help but wondering which of her gray hairs were caused by the unrestrained enthusiasm of my 6 year-old self.  Oh well, what’s done is done.) 

Well, I’m excited now as well.  I was in Orlando for two days last week. John Shaw, General Secretary of Home Missions for the OPC, asked me to speak to a group of OPC pastor’s and elders about what we’ve learned from planting churches. It was a great time to reflect on what God has done through us – and to think about things we did well and areas where we need to improve.  I’ll talk more about that some other time.  But people would come up and ask how I’m doing, and how Harvest is doing.  And I was glad to be able to say, “We’re doing well.” 

Here are some of the things that excite me about Harvest.

  • I’m excited by the new spirit of unity, peace, and joy in the congregation.  We’ve been through a rough spell, a time of testing and trial. We’ve seen dear friends and former members leave.  I’ve been through charges and walked with my dear brother Randy to the doorway to heaven.  All this has been according to God’s ordained will for me and for us – and all of it meant for our good (Romans 8:28).  I can testify that God has used the trials of this past year for my personal good.  But I’m convinced that God purposed these hardships for the good of the congregation as a whole.  “He disciplines us for our good – that we might bear the ‘fruit of righteousness” (Heb. 12:10-11).  Therefore, I believe we have solid biblical reasons for confidence that God will “make us glad for as many days as (He has) afflicted us” (Ps 90:15).  I believe, in the providence of God, that our best is yet to come.
  • I’m excited by the humility, unity of heart, and spiritual wisdom I see in the elders. They have navigated the difficult path of the past 2 years with great wisdom. The Session is currently working on some very important things: shepherding, building, staffing, church planting, intentional discipleship and ministry strategy – and are finding a wonderful unity of heart and mind as we go.  When we do disagree, there is respectful discussion and mutual submission.  It’s a joy to watch and a privilege to be a part of it. Very encouraging.
  • I’m excited about what the Lord is teaching me concerning embracing humility and repentance and prayer as the way of doing life and doing ministry. I’m not there yet – but the path is clearer than it’s been before and I’m excited about what God will teach me in the years ahead. Aren’t you glad that our Lord persists in our sanctification all the way to the end??  I am! 
  • I’m excited by the forming vision for moving forward.  The Session is continuing the conversations we started at the elder’s retreat. Please pray for us as we devote ourselves over these next 2 months to forming specific plans for moving forward in the ministry of the gospel here in West Michigan. 
  • I’m excited by seeing the Lord turn our attention, as a church, more and more ‘outward’ – to the lost in our community and around the world.  
    • A few weeks ago, a sister here at Harvest introduced me to a Vietnamese woman from the neighborhood with whom she is reading the Bible. They are already through Genesis and making progress in Leviticus.  That’s wonderful!  
    • The ESL class is continuing to grow and the volunteers are building meaningful relationships with people from all over the world for the Name of Christ. Perfect!  
    • Paige VanderWey is in Tijuana preparing to spend her life bringing the gospel to an unreached people group.  That’s tremendous!  I am praying that the Lord will use Paige to help all of us grow a missionary mindset.  It’s very exciting to think about how God could use our life and this church to impact people around the globe for Christ.
  • Several elders and pastors met with the Love and Truth counseling/discipling team a few weeks ago. What a joy to see what the Lord is doing through that ministry! I was just talking this week with someone who has taken the “Real Change” class and found it to be extremely helpful for their own growth in Christ. That’s exactly what we want the Lord to do for us and among us – transform lives by the power of His truth and grace!  There is some very exciting ministry happening through our Love and Truth team.  

Friends, I’m excited to think about what the Lord might do, by His power and for His glory, among and through us, as we continue to grow in intentional discipleship,  missional outreach, and church planting. I believe that Harvest’s best days are yet to come – and that’s very exciting. Of course, there is a lot that needs to be done as we move forward.  But all the “heavy lifting” is on the shoulders of our Lord Jesus.  He has promised that He will build His church. Praise God! We are just called to abide in Him, allow His word to abide in us, and then ask for whatever we wish – leaning on Him in expectant prayer (John 15:7).  That’s a church that will bear much fruit for the glory of God the Father.  And that’s a really exciting place to be! 

P.s. I realize that not every person reading this will share, or maybe even appreciate, my enthusiasm.  I didn’t write this to overlook your concerns or questions or fears.  But, if I’ve just described you, I would ask one thing.  Would you be willing to prayerfully ask the Lord to show you how to move forward?  We are not meant to abide in cynicism, uncertainty, or fear. We are meant to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain” (1 Cor 15:58).  Has Harvest “arrived”?  Of course not.  Are there things we need to learn and change?  Absolutely.  But that’s true of every believer, isn’t it. What gives me great anticipation for our future together is that Harvest church belongs to Jesus and the Lord Himself promises to teach us and lead us in all these things, as we abide in His truth and strive, with humility and love, to follow Him. My prayer is that, as you trust in Him, you too will become newly excited about what He is doing right in here at Harvest Church!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Little Bit More on the Ministry Planning Retreat https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/a-little-bit-more-on-the-ministry-planning-retreat https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/a-little-bit-more-on-the-ministry-planning-retreat#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:05:27 -0400 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/a-little-bit-more-on-the-ministry-planning-retreat I’d like to tell you a little bit more about what your elders will be up to this weekend. On Friday night and Saturday, we will gather at an off-site location to pray and plan for future ministry at Harvest.  

As a congregation, we stand at an important and exciting crossroads. We have weathered some challenges in recent history but have some very strong building blocks for moving forward with Christ-exalting, Spirit-dependent gospel ministry. Our congregation is made up of people who are reading their Bibles, eager to worship together, who love Jesus, and care for people. God has wonderfully woven a tapestry of people of different ages and stages at Harvest, with various God-given gifts for ministry. God has been good to our church family!  

And we want to figure out how to best move forward with ministry together! We want to be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities that God has given to us. We want to be faithfully carrying out the Great Commission together. We want to be united in purpose as we look to Jesus together and act to see Jesus exalted in our own lives, in our families, in our church, and in our community.  

So how can we best do that together?  

Ultimately, God’s Spirit must bless our ministry efforts. But what does it look like to exercise Spirit-dependent wisdom in planning for effective ministry on Sunday, in our groups, and through our outreach?  

The elders are having this retreat to think more deeply about that question!  

A lot of work has been done to help us carefully begin this planning process. For starters, so many of you helped us by filling out the congregational survey. In total, we received 239 responses! Your elders have already spent time reviewing the results of this survey to look at strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for ministry as seen through the lens of the congregation. The elders will also be drawing upon evaluative work done by our Vine Project Team, feedback from our Love and Truth Counseling Team, and their own evaluative work. These inputs will help inform our decisions about future ministry.   

There are a couple specific goals that we are working at this weekend:  

  1. We want to review our mission (what we are called to do) and clarify our vision for the future (where we hope to go).   
  2. We want to identify 4-6 key strategy areas that we think our congregation should focus on as a church over the next three to five years. This will involve thinking about what we need to stay ‘yes’ to and what we need to say ‘no’ to.  
  3. We want to begin to develop a roadmap and sequencing for enacting these strategies. Part of this will be thinking about how to hire and position our staff to support the ministry of Harvest Church.  

So, here’s how I’d ask you to help. First, thank your elders for commitment to serving our church family! Each of them is giving up a weekend with their family to make an investment in our church (and this on top of the countless hours they are already serving). Second, I would ask that you pray. Please pray for the following items:  

  1. Pray that we would honor Christ and be exercising faith in His power as we make plans.  
  2. Pray for wisdom for the elders: that we’d ask the right questions, that we’d have honest debate, that we’d prioritize the right things, and that we’d get clear on how to execute our plans under God.  
  3. Pray that the elders would be encouraged by a clear and shared direction coming out of the retreat.   
  4. Pray that the congregation would be encouraged by the results of our planning retreat and that this time would result in greater enthusiasm for carrying out Christ’s mission together.  

We thank you for your support and your prayers. We’ll look forward to sharing more about our retreat in the weeks to come.  
 
Yours in Christ,  
Pastor Wayne  

What I’m Reading:  

The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War by H. W. Brands – This book tells the story of the showdown between two of the most important personalities in the Korean War: General Douglas MacArthur and President Harry Truman.  

Authentic Ministry: Serving from the Heart by Michael Reeves – Michael Reeves is a first-rate preacher. He is also someone who spends his time training people for ministry. This little book emerged out of talks Reeves gave to encourage those serving in the local church. He covers topics like prayer, suffering, friendship, and more.  

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I’d like to tell you a little bit more about what your elders will be up to this weekend. On Friday night and Saturday, we will gather at an off-site location to pray and plan for future ministry at Harvest.  

As a congregation, we stand at an important and exciting crossroads. We have weathered some challenges in recent history but have some very strong building blocks for moving forward with Christ-exalting, Spirit-dependent gospel ministry. Our congregation is made up of people who are reading their Bibles, eager to worship together, who love Jesus, and care for people. God has wonderfully woven a tapestry of people of different ages and stages at Harvest, with various God-given gifts for ministry. God has been good to our church family!  

And we want to figure out how to best move forward with ministry together! We want to be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities that God has given to us. We want to be faithfully carrying out the Great Commission together. We want to be united in purpose as we look to Jesus together and act to see Jesus exalted in our own lives, in our families, in our church, and in our community.  

So how can we best do that together?  

Ultimately, God’s Spirit must bless our ministry efforts. But what does it look like to exercise Spirit-dependent wisdom in planning for effective ministry on Sunday, in our groups, and through our outreach?  

The elders are having this retreat to think more deeply about that question!  

A lot of work has been done to help us carefully begin this planning process. For starters, so many of you helped us by filling out the congregational survey. In total, we received 239 responses! Your elders have already spent time reviewing the results of this survey to look at strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for ministry as seen through the lens of the congregation. The elders will also be drawing upon evaluative work done by our Vine Project Team, feedback from our Love and Truth Counseling Team, and their own evaluative work. These inputs will help inform our decisions about future ministry.   

There are a couple specific goals that we are working at this weekend:  

  1. We want to review our mission (what we are called to do) and clarify our vision for the future (where we hope to go).   
  2. We want to identify 4-6 key strategy areas that we think our congregation should focus on as a church over the next three to five years. This will involve thinking about what we need to stay ‘yes’ to and what we need to say ‘no’ to.  
  3. We want to begin to develop a roadmap and sequencing for enacting these strategies. Part of this will be thinking about how to hire and position our staff to support the ministry of Harvest Church.  

So, here’s how I’d ask you to help. First, thank your elders for commitment to serving our church family! Each of them is giving up a weekend with their family to make an investment in our church (and this on top of the countless hours they are already serving). Second, I would ask that you pray. Please pray for the following items:  

  1. Pray that we would honor Christ and be exercising faith in His power as we make plans.  
  2. Pray for wisdom for the elders: that we’d ask the right questions, that we’d have honest debate, that we’d prioritize the right things, and that we’d get clear on how to execute our plans under God.  
  3. Pray that the elders would be encouraged by a clear and shared direction coming out of the retreat.   
  4. Pray that the congregation would be encouraged by the results of our planning retreat and that this time would result in greater enthusiasm for carrying out Christ’s mission together.  

We thank you for your support and your prayers. We’ll look forward to sharing more about our retreat in the weeks to come.  
 
Yours in Christ,  
Pastor Wayne  

What I’m Reading:  

The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War by H. W. Brands – This book tells the story of the showdown between two of the most important personalities in the Korean War: General Douglas MacArthur and President Harry Truman.  

Authentic Ministry: Serving from the Heart by Michael Reeves – Michael Reeves is a first-rate preacher. He is also someone who spends his time training people for ministry. This little book emerged out of talks Reeves gave to encourage those serving in the local church. He covers topics like prayer, suffering, friendship, and more.  

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Thoughts on Missions and Montevideo https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/thoughts-on-missions-and-montevideo https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/thoughts-on-missions-and-montevideo#comments Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:27:14 -0400 https://www.harvestopc.org/from-the-pastors-desks/post/thoughts-on-missions-and-montevideo Thoughts on Missions and Montevideo 

Greetings from your slightly weary, but happy to be home Pastor. Thank you so much for your prayers for me on my recent trip to Montevideo, Uruguay. The conference went very well. Our missionaries there, Mark and Jeni Richline, and Stephen and Catalina Payson, were very pleased with the turnout. Thank you for allowing me to participate in the mission of the church in this way. 

I’d like to share some specific reflections.

  1. Montevideo is a large city (1.3million) in great need of the gospel.  The nation of Uruguay is strongly atheistic—and the sad fruits are evident.  

    1. The suicide rate is much higher in Uruguay (23 per 100k) than in surrounding nations (9 per 100k).

    2. Everything is locked down in the city of Montevideo. Every window is behind thick bars. Every door is made of impenetrable wood or steel with 2-4 deadbolts. Every yard is enclosed with concrete walls or iron-bar barriers. 

    3. The murder rate in Montevideo (11.6 per 100k) is four times higher than nearby Beunos Aires. However, to put that in perspective, Montevideo is safer than Grand Rapids (13.8) and much safer than our nearby cities of Detroit (50) and Chicago (74.5). 
  2. Though Montevideo’s streets are heavily barricaded, they are also nicely tree-lined and felt quite safe. The street-side markets, fruit stands, and bakeries make it a very livable place.

  3. The strong atheism of Montevideo makes evangelism extremely difficult. People see no need for religion. They approach each day as it comes, have very little concern for death, and aren’t interested in thinking about God or guilt or judgement or any of the spiritual issues that Scripture specifically addresses. The people work hard during the week and Sunday is strictly devoted to family and relaxation.  I struck up a conversation with one of my Uber drivers about Jesus and the Bible—and he was clearly antagonistic to both.

  4. While the work is hard—the fruits are delightful! The church of Christ in Montevideo is growing. The conference was sponsored by our OPC church and a neighboring church plant of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil—both growing.  My interpreter, Andrew Miller, was a pastor of a vibrant church plant sponsored by Parkside Church in Cleveland (Alistair Begg’s church). I met a terrific young couple (Andre and Andrea) from a town about two hours away who have come to the Reformed faith through the internet. They attend the worship services in Montevideo every other week (a 4-hour round trip on the bus). The Richlines and Paysons have taken them under their wings and are hoping to start a Bible study and possible future church plant in that area. The Lord is at work, gathering his elect by the power of the Holy Spirit!

  5. Spending time on the mission field is extremely helpful to remember what we are supposed to be about as the church of Jesus Christ.  We really do exist to “make disciples” (Matt 28:18) both here and abroad!  Jesus has a global mission—and we are called to participate in it. There is something wonderfully refreshing and invigorating about seeing people sacrificially participating in the missionary cause of Christ. The Richline’s and Payson’s have both left their families and friends to serve the gospel mission 6k miles away.  Why? Because the gospel cause matters more than anything. Because Christ commands the church to go to the nations. Because they are confident that those who give up house and family and friends for Christ will receive a hundred-fold more in this life and the life to come (Mark 10:30).

My lasting impression of Montevideo is the tremendous need for the gospel there. As I watched people walking down the street, I was convicted that they were blindly walking down the road to eternal loss.  The vast, vast, majority of them have never heard the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ—and never will. And the world is filled with cities like Montevideo. 

That’s why it is so important that we, here at Harvest, become more intentional about our participation in world missions. I’m excited to see that beginning to happen. Our Missions Committee is growing and seeking specific ways to help us, as a church, become more aware and get more involved in the mission cause. We have more and more youth eagerly participating in mission trips both here in the States and abroad. We have one member, Paige VanderWey, currently in Mexico, preparing to go to unreached people groups.  I can see the Spirit of the Lord at work here! May the Lord give us the joy of participating in the global mission of Christ—because the nations desperately need the gospel, and Jesus Christ is gloriously worthy of praise!  

Uruguay1 Uruguay3 Uruguay2
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Thoughts on Missions and Montevideo 

Greetings from your slightly weary, but happy to be home Pastor. Thank you so much for your prayers for me on my recent trip to Montevideo, Uruguay. The conference went very well. Our missionaries there, Mark and Jeni Richline, and Stephen and Catalina Payson, were very pleased with the turnout. Thank you for allowing me to participate in the mission of the church in this way. 

I’d like to share some specific reflections.

  1. Montevideo is a large city (1.3million) in great need of the gospel.  The nation of Uruguay is strongly atheistic—and the sad fruits are evident.  

    1. The suicide rate is much higher in Uruguay (23 per 100k) than in surrounding nations (9 per 100k).

    2. Everything is locked down in the city of Montevideo. Every window is behind thick bars. Every door is made of impenetrable wood or steel with 2-4 deadbolts. Every yard is enclosed with concrete walls or iron-bar barriers. 

    3. The murder rate in Montevideo (11.6 per 100k) is four times higher than nearby Beunos Aires. However, to put that in perspective, Montevideo is safer than Grand Rapids (13.8) and much safer than our nearby cities of Detroit (50) and Chicago (74.5). 
  2. Though Montevideo’s streets are heavily barricaded, they are also nicely tree-lined and felt quite safe. The street-side markets, fruit stands, and bakeries make it a very livable place.

  3. The strong atheism of Montevideo makes evangelism extremely difficult. People see no need for religion. They approach each day as it comes, have very little concern for death, and aren’t interested in thinking about God or guilt or judgement or any of the spiritual issues that Scripture specifically addresses. The people work hard during the week and Sunday is strictly devoted to family and relaxation.  I struck up a conversation with one of my Uber drivers about Jesus and the Bible—and he was clearly antagonistic to both.

  4. While the work is hard—the fruits are delightful! The church of Christ in Montevideo is growing. The conference was sponsored by our OPC church and a neighboring church plant of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil—both growing.  My interpreter, Andrew Miller, was a pastor of a vibrant church plant sponsored by Parkside Church in Cleveland (Alistair Begg’s church). I met a terrific young couple (Andre and Andrea) from a town about two hours away who have come to the Reformed faith through the internet. They attend the worship services in Montevideo every other week (a 4-hour round trip on the bus). The Richlines and Paysons have taken them under their wings and are hoping to start a Bible study and possible future church plant in that area. The Lord is at work, gathering his elect by the power of the Holy Spirit!

  5. Spending time on the mission field is extremely helpful to remember what we are supposed to be about as the church of Jesus Christ.  We really do exist to “make disciples” (Matt 28:18) both here and abroad!  Jesus has a global mission—and we are called to participate in it. There is something wonderfully refreshing and invigorating about seeing people sacrificially participating in the missionary cause of Christ. The Richline’s and Payson’s have both left their families and friends to serve the gospel mission 6k miles away.  Why? Because the gospel cause matters more than anything. Because Christ commands the church to go to the nations. Because they are confident that those who give up house and family and friends for Christ will receive a hundred-fold more in this life and the life to come (Mark 10:30).

My lasting impression of Montevideo is the tremendous need for the gospel there. As I watched people walking down the street, I was convicted that they were blindly walking down the road to eternal loss.  The vast, vast, majority of them have never heard the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ—and never will. And the world is filled with cities like Montevideo. 

That’s why it is so important that we, here at Harvest, become more intentional about our participation in world missions. I’m excited to see that beginning to happen. Our Missions Committee is growing and seeking specific ways to help us, as a church, become more aware and get more involved in the mission cause. We have more and more youth eagerly participating in mission trips both here in the States and abroad. We have one member, Paige VanderWey, currently in Mexico, preparing to go to unreached people groups.  I can see the Spirit of the Lord at work here! May the Lord give us the joy of participating in the global mission of Christ—because the nations desperately need the gospel, and Jesus Christ is gloriously worthy of praise!  

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