Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June /97

Contributor - Tom Torrance

Title - When I Go To Spain

Topic - Editorial Page

But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. (Romans 15:23-25)

How will you spend your summer? For many, this is the time to take a break from labour and regular routine, to get away for a while. I can just imagine the ocean cruise, the sights and sounds of Europe, or the excitement of new experiences.

Such escapes, however, are not within my budget just now, and I will spend my vacation closer to home, with day trips and short visits.

When Paul's work was done in the region, he planned a visit on his way to Spain. But first there was work to do in Jerusalem.

There are brothers and sisters in the Regional Synod of Canada who, like Paul, will spend part of their 'escape from routine' in Christian service. They will give their time and gifts to meet the needs of others through the RCA Volunteer Program.

Dwight Dee from Fujian Evangelical Church in Richmond, B.C., will spend seven weeks in Hong Kong and China in a Christian Camp for Chinese teenagers (July 1 to August 20).

Ruthanne Heeg and Victor Van Voorst from First Reformed Church of Harriston and First Reformed Church of Hamilton will serve in Kochi-Ken, Japan. They are engaged to be married this summer and will leave in August for a two year commitment teaching English as a second language.

Christianne Labbe from Christ Community Church in Welland, Ont., will be working as a counsellor at a camp for underprivileged children at Jackson County Ministries in Annville, Kentucky.

Pastor Bill Wensink and family, also of Christ Community Church in Welland, Ont., will be volunteering one or two weeks at Jackson County Ministries at L.EA.P., where RCA W.M.P.A. Frank and Darlene Van Hoeve are serving. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers this summer.

Closer to home, many of our pastors will be visiting other congregations 'in the service of the saints there,' and many of our elders will be filling in for them.

Fellow Christians will be travelling and visiting. Perhaps you will be in this category. Wherever you are, take time to worship and to serve Him. Visit the churches along the roads that you travel.

At home, reach out a hand of welcome to the visitors in your community. Invite them into your church services, and share with them the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

How will you spend your summer?

So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. (Romans 15:28-29)

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