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A Lot to Celebrate
Wednesday, August 2
GRAND RAPIDS--Today was a day to count blessings. Blessings
such as 50 years of ministry in Japan, Reformed Presbyterian
witness through her emphasis on teaching, young people exercising
their Bible knowledge, and the talent and service of those
in the RPCNA college.
While children continued their own programs on the Great
Commission, adults concentrated on the word "teaching"
in that commission of Jesus. Pastor Kit Swartz carved the
meaning of the biblical word with a razor, making it clear
what teaching included and what it did not. He defined the
biblical idea of teaching as "making known with words
for practical effect." While he clarified that a good
example was also critical, he said that there is a daily need
for rigorous teaching in the faith. He asked everyone to encourage
and support those who teach, and for elders, parents, and
mature Christians to teach fervently in their sphere of influence.
Final rounds of a Bible quiz for teams of junior high and
senior high youth continued throughout the day. Contestants
had spent months studying the book of Matthew in preparation.
The winning team, from the Elkhart and Kokomo, Ind., congregations,
was awarded a trophy during the evening convocation.
Afternoon options included meeting Geneva College's president,
Dr. Jack White, learning more about Covenanter (Reformed Presbyterian)
history, and a chamber music concert. There was also a meeting
detailing specific plans of a pilot program for revitalization
involving four to five RP congregations.
Pastor-brothers Tim and Andy McCracken amused conferees with
their skits as people gathered for the evening convocation.
Geneva College's New Song group performed a cappella psalms,
and Geneva chaplain Timothy Russell announced that this year's
Chaplain's Award for service would be given to music professor
Louis Copeland for her direction of New Song and her other
ministry at the college.
A slide-show presentation celebrating 50 years of ministry
in Japan followed. Missionaries in the audience were honored,
including a standing ovation for veteran Japan missionaries
Gene and Ruth Spear and Jim and Ruth Pennington. A sizeable
delegation of missionaries and members from the RP churches
in Japan are attending the conference. Later, a missionary
reception was held.
Tomorrow (Thursday) will be the last day of the conference
program, with activities scheduled from dawn to dusk.
--Drew Gordon, editor
Covenanter Witness
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
www.psalms4u.com
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