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Rev. Rich deLange has served as Senior Pastor of Aylmer CRC since the summer of 2000. On October 25th, he announced that he has accepted a call to serve Trinity CRC in Edmonton, Alberta. We’re thankful to God for his work among us and wish him God’s blessings as he winds down his work here and prepares for his new role in Edmonton.
Jason Postma has been serving as our Pastor of Youth and Outreach since August 2008 but just recently announced that he is taking a new role as Pastor of Youth and Family Ministries in Bethel CRC, Newmarket, Ontario, beginning in December. We thank Jason for his work and wish him God’s blessing in the future as well.
At Aylmer CRC, we’ve been blessed with the faithful service of Pastor Louis Bosma for over 13 years. As our Pastor of Congregational Life, he works hard—often behind the scenes—to come alongside of people who have pastoral needs. We thank the Lord for His diligent work and look forward to his continued work among us.
Obviously the announcement of the departure of two pastors in a short time comes as a surprise to us, but we know it is no surprise to Jesus, the Lord of the church. He knows the plans He has for us and we go forward in the confidence that He is building His church. We pray that the Lord will help us in this time of transition and that, in His perfect time, He will bring the necessary staff to help us carry on our mission and vision to the glory of God.
Usually when one reads about our brothers and sisters in Christ in China a deep sorrow is felt. Often reports of severe beatings and harsh jail terms that Chinese people face because of their faith in Jesus Christ are easily found in newspapers or around the web. Stories of Chinese people who actually face the persecution are also very common. Missionaries report of the wonderful work that is happening in China, but also add their deep concern for the safety of the Chinese Christians.
Certainly since communist rule has taken hold in China, persecution of the Christian church has been widespread. Bibles are not permitted by the government. Chinese Christians must worship in private, often fearing for their lives if the government finds out. Web pages are known to be censored, and heavily tracked by the government so simply spending too much time on the ‘wrong’ website could land a prison term.
Such thoughts are certain to give Christians here, in one of the best places to live in the world, a very heavy heart. We pray for our brothers and sisters through out the world who face such persecution, although admittedly not as often as we should. Many of us also turn our backs on places like China and live our own lives with very little perspective on how good we actually have it.
I’ve spent many hours thinking about China, its government, and its repressed people. In those hours I’ve asked myself many questions. Could I imagine living in a country where I was severely persecuted for my faith? Would I stop going to church because the government said if I don’t, I’ll end up in jail. Would I renounce my faith if my life was endangered?
But in China, Christianity is growing. More and more people are turning to Christ and worshiping Him, even with the threat of persecution. What faith! Here we sit in a county where God has blessed us richly and many are abandoning God. In China many are heavily persecuted and they are turning to God. Why does this happen?
I’m reminded of the persecution that the early Christian church endured, some of which was documented in the Bible. Early Christians suffered immensely for their beliefs, but they continued to hold onto their beliefs. Why? Well, if it was up to human strength ‘Christians’ would fold under the first amount of pressure applied. They would renounce their faith and try to protect themselves from any harm that could possibly come their way. But Christians have the help of God, the power of the Holy Spirit, to help them and uphold them in times of trial. God’s Holy Spirit was working within the early Christian church years ago, and is working within the Christian Church today. The Holy Spirit gives us strength and peace to know that God will always take care of us and uphold us within any trials or persecution we face.
Living in Canada we are very blessed not to have to deal with the severe persecution many Christians have to endure everyday. Let us not forget that this is a gift from God and not something we have managed to do on our own merits. Let us also continually pray for the persecuted church throughout the world. We should also remember that God is strengthening His church by the power of the Holy Spirit each and everyday. Please read an article found in the National Post on October 14, 2009 by clicking here that details some of the wonderful things happening in China. Isn’t it amazing to see God’s church growing? Also check out this website for more information about the persecuted church worldwide and for resources to help commemorate International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 8, 2010.
