Communiqué Farel | CF-2.5 E (December 2023)
December 2023
At the dawn of a new year, we can take stock of three key aspects of Farel's mission:
1. Publishing Reformed Litterature
Launched in 2014 under the direction of Église réformée St-Marc, the ministry Bannière réformée francophone (BRF) was transferred to Farel in 2022. Over 14 books have been printed, the majority by Éditions La Rochelle. We are currently working to publish books on Reformed worship, catechetical teaching, church doctrine and, funds permitting, commentaries on each of the Reformed confessions and catechisms. After nine years, the work is progressing well!
2. Theological and Pastoral Training
Farel works closely with our partner Faculté de théologie évangélique (FTE) to offer accredited theological and pastoral training in Quebec. In addition to courses in biblical languages, mission and evangelism, Farel provides instruction in Reformed theology.
We taught the Reformed confessions to seven students and the Presbyterian-Reformed polity to two others, but no students subsequently enrolled in the course on the covenant and sacraments. Patience! We need to evaluate our course offerings and also our advertising. Lord willing, in 2024 we'll relaunch the covenant class. We'll also be adding a course on Reformed worship.
3. Reformed Education for All
In the past, Farel organized public conferences. We need to take up this part of our mission again. We'd also like to increase our presence on the Internet.
To this end, I'm pursuing doctoral studies in practical theology. The aim of my research is to innovate in the creation of an interactive online learning experience for young adult believers. Learners will have the opportunity to study Reformed theology and practice with other believers in Quebec. They will need to apply what they learn in their own lives. For this project to succeed, we need to go through several stages of research, design, testing and improvement, before making the learning modules publicly accessible.
Thank you for your patience! With God's help and your support, we will achieve great things for the advancement of His kingdom in Quebec.
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Student Associated with Farel: Ny Aina
Originally from Madagascar, I emigrated to Canada on January 19, 2011. It was -14 degrees Celsius! On May 3, 2014, I got married and returned to Canada on July 9, 2014 with my wife, Idealisoa Zakatsiranto. God blessed us with two children, Jesse (8) and Ezra-Jeremy (17 months).
We moved to Quebec in order that I might pursue a master's degree in business management. However, I still cherished a passion for theological studies, as well as a desire to serve the Church and God.
In 2017, I enrolled at the FTE and took one course per session because of my family responsibilities, two jobs and volunteer-ing at my Church. With God's help, I should receive the Certificate in Biblical Studies this winter, and then finish my Bachelor of Theology at the end of 2027. I'm still discerning whether God is calling me to become a pastor or a chaplain.
I'm grateful for Farel's partnership with the FTE. I grew up in a Reformed church. The Farel professors help me to better appropriate the richness of this heritage.
May God bless you all!
Ny Aina RANDRIAMANGA
May the birth of our Saviour be a source of eternal joy for you in the New Year.
Bernard Westerveld, MTh, DThP (candidate)
Director, professor