Communiqué Farel | CF 2.1E (March 2023)
News for Your Prayers
Contents
- Reformed Confessions of Faith
- Publishing French Authors
- Light and warmth of the Reformed heritage
- Farel finances
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Erratum
My apologies. In the original Farel newsletter, I indicated that nine students were taking the course on Reformed confessions. In fact, there are seven. Apparently I have difficulty counting. Be thankful that I teach theology and not math.
— Bernard
Reformed Confessions of Faith
This winter session, professor Bernard Westerveld is teaching the FTE-Farel course Reformed Confessions of Faith. Beginning with the French Confession La Rochelle, the students read a total of nine Reformed confessions and catechisms, including Heidelberg, Dort, and Westminster.
During class discussion, a particular Reformed theme is explored: justification; true church; preaching; sacraments; covenant; etc. Professor Bernard encourages each student to find “their jewel” – the confession or catechism that they will study and teach to their church.
Seven students are taking the Reformed confessions class. One brother is preparing, Lord willing, to serve as a pastor in the Église réformée du Québec (ERQ). Two brothers are serving Pentecostal churches in Quebec. The other four students are curious to learn more about the Reformed doctrines, including a young lady from Ecuador!
Reading a Reformed confession for the first time, a Pentecostal student wrote, “It is undoubtedly an enlightened guide for every pastor who wants to remain faithful to his mandate to preach the true message of Jesus Christ to the people of God and to lead them into biblical truth.”
Publishing French Authors
There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. (Hebrews 4:9-10)
As you have read in a previous Communiqué, part of Farel's mission is publishing Reformed literature under the banner Éditions La Rochelle. In most cases, we publish translations of English books.
We desire, however, to publish more works written by French authors. For this reason, we are thankful to announce the publication of Le repos des pèlerins (The Pilgrim’s Rest) written by Dr. Yannick Imbert, professor of apologetics and director of the John Calvin Seminary in Aix-en-Provence, France. Yannick had begun writing this text during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting upon the true rest that the Creator-King proclaims in Christ over his creation.
Your gifts make it possible to provide solid, Reformed literature for French-speaking believers.
Light and warmth of the Reformed heritage
"Jean-Marc, what does the discovery of Reformed doctrine mean to you?"
Over the past few years, I have read with interest various Reformed authors. These readings have made me aware, among other things, that I need in my life, as Jonathan Edwards often expresses it, much more light and also much more warmth.
Recently at a family gathering I was asked what I would like to leave as a legacy to my grandchildren. The answer that quickly came to mind was a reference to the Westminster Confession of Faith and its Catechism. These resources, along with those associated with the various authors of the Reformation and Puritan periods, had the effect of bringing me that light and warmth that is so naturally lacking.
Robert Godfrey in his article What does Semper Reformanda mean? cites a 16th century author who gives us a very enlightening understanding of the origin and meaning of this expression:
The great concern of ministers like van Lodenstein was not the externals of religion—as absolutely important as they are—but rather the internal side of religion... They all believed that once the externals of religion had been carefully and faithfully reformed according to the Word of God, the great need was for ministers to lead people in the true religion of the heart.
— Jean-Marc Royer
Farel finances
For a second year, the Farel board of governors adopted a deficit budget. In 2023, the projected $66,000 deficit was reduced to $30,000 thanks to reduced expenses and increased donations. For the coming year, the anticipated deficit is $41,000 due to the fulltime director’s salary and the need to hire a technician for developing online instruction. Please consider giving, increasing your annual gifts, or asking your church to adopt Farel as a mission.
To facilitate our accounting and possibly your own, we encourage you to make your donations to Farel via the Zeffy platform. We receive 100% of your donations. If you wish to give to a specific Farel ministry, visit the Farel donor page.
Bonus! Consider subscribing to Zeffy to manage your non-profit organisation. Farel has been using Zeffy (formerly Simplyk) with much satisfaction and no costs. Create your free Zeffy fundraising account here.
Thank you for your support, fellowship and prayers
Bernard Westerveld, DThP (candidate)
Director of Farel
