* 2014 Furlough #2

Tuesday, June 10

After our time in Iowa, we headed back to Michigan, stopping on the way in north Chicago where Bethel Protestant Reformed Church is located. 

 

We arrived early enough to have time to visit with Rev. Lee, pastor of Bethel PRC, and his wife Ling, and to have supper with them.

 

 

That evening, Rev. Kleyn did a presentation on the Philippines mission work in Bethel PRC.

Thursday, June 12

Rev. Kleyn attended the synod meeting of the Protestant Reformed Churches.  The meeting was held in Hope Protestant Reformed School in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He, along with many other observers, was able to witness part of the examination of the latest graduate from the seminary, Joshua Engelsma. 

  

  By the grace of God, Joshua gave a good account of what he had learned and was declared by Synod to be a candidate for the ministry in the Protestant Reformed Churches.  We are thankful to the Lord of the harvest for this additional laborer in His vineyard. 

 

Also on Thursday, June 12, Rev. Kleyn had opportunity to address the synod concerning the mission work in the Philippines.

 

 

Friday, June 13

During this furlough we have been able to be a part of many family activities.  The last of the Kleyn siblings is now married!  Lydia married Nick Gleason.  We are thankful for their marriage in the Lord and welcome Nick into the family. 

Sunday, June 15

Rev. Kleyn preached in Grace PRC in the morning and in Southeast PRC in the evening.  It is enjoyable to visit the various churches and to fellowship with old and new friends. 

 A little taste of the Philippines - playing a game of sungka. :-) 

 

Friday, June 20

 Another family event we have been able to celebrate was the 61st wedding anniversary of Sharon's parents. Approximately 75 of us gathered for a time of fellowship and rejoicing in God's goodness.    

 

 It's a challenge to get every face showing and everyone looking at the camera!

We are thankful for God's covenant blessings to them, to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

 

 

Sunday, June 22 

Rev. Kleyn preached in Faith PRC in the morning and in Holland PRC in the evening,  Holland was the church where he was pastor before we left for the Philippines, so it was nice to catch up with old friends there.  He also gave another presentation on the Philippine mission work to a full crowd at Holland Church after the evening worship service.  

 

Once again we were greatly encouraged by the clear evidence of the interest in and support for the work the Lord has given us in the Philippines.

* 2014 Furlough #1

We flew out of Manila early Monday morning (June 2), arriving in Michigan that evening at 5:30 p.m.

Many family members (Hankos and Kleyns) were at the airport to greet us, and also visited with us that evening.  We were also able to visit with our parents again on Wednesday morning.

On Thursday we drove approximately 750 miles west from Michigan to Iowa, arriving in Doon late Thursday afternoon.  That evening, Rev. Kleyn met with the Doon PRC's Council and the Foreign Mission Committee.

On Saturday, the area Protestant Reformed ministers and their families gathered for lunch at the home of Rev. Allan and Crysta Brummel in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Present were Rev. Doug & Teresa Kuiper (Edgerton PRC), Rev. Allen & Crysta Brummel (Heritage PRC), Rev. Rodney & Sharon Miersma (retired in Hull), Rev. Cory & Lael Griess (Calvary PRC).

Saturday evening Doon held its annual church picnic, timing it around our visit so we were able to join in the fellowship.  We enjoyed this opportunity to be with our calling church, to participate in the games, and taste the endless variety of food. 

Here is a brief video of the singing of Psalter #15 at the picnic (viewable only on the web itself, I think).

Rev. Kleyn preached in Doon PRC for their morning and evening services on Sunday.  Then on Sunday evening, he gave his first presentation of the work in the Philippines.  This was held in the Calvary PRC in Hull, Iowa.

We were encouraged to see the good attendance and experience the continued interest in the work.  Soli Deo Gloria!