Being Patient With A Young Christian - J.C. Ryle

Let us settle it in our minds, that grace must have a beginning in every believer's heart, and that we have no right to say a person has no grace, because it does not come to full ripeness at once. We do not expect a child to do the work of a full-grown man, though he may one day, if he lives long enough. We mast not expect a learner of Christianity to show the faith, and love, and knowledge of an old soldier of the cross. He may become by and bye a mighty champion of the truth. But at first we must give him time. There is great need of wisdom in dealing with young people about religion, and, generally speaking, with all young disciples.

Kindness, and patience, and gentleness, are of the first importance. We must not try to pour in the new wine too quickly, or it will run over. We must take them by the hand and lead them on gently. We must beware of frightening, or hurrying them, or pressing them on too fast. If they have only got hold of the main principles of the Gospel, let us not set them down as godless, because of a few lesser matters. We must bear with much weakness and infirmity, and not expect to find old heads on young shoulders, or ripe Christian experience in those who are only babes.

My Brother, Jack. (A Letter from Margaret)

My Brother, Jack

As I think about my brother dying I want to encourage families to be kind and loving to one another. You will not want to have regrets when one of your siblings goes through serious illness or even death. Live together with love and respect.

Jack, where should I start? I was 2.5 when you were born. My memories include so many examples of your care for others. I remember when you invited a neighbour boy to our home and asked mom to make him a good lunch like she made for us. You noticed when people needed help and found ways to do so. You loved the outdoors and were involved with cadets. You knew everything we needed to know about camping.

I can’t remember that mom or dad had to discipline you. You were always a good student and loved school. If I remember correctly you were the first in our congregation to get a degree. Mom and dad were so proud of you. So was I!

You knew so much about living things. You could explain things so well to others about the amazing design of plants and insects. You had the most amazing collection of insects expertly mounted and labeled. It is no wonder you became a great teacher.

It was a step down for you financially when you left your job with the seed company to start teaching at RCS. But I never heard any regrets from you. Your schedule is still full using your time wisely teaching others throughout the day. You never seemed to waste time and you are still as busy as possible teaching others about the works of the Lord.

It is hard for me to understand why you are suffering now, brother. But each time I read or hear of ways the Lord is providing for you from your community I see that your affliction is a blessing to others allowing them to serve you. What an encouragement it is to read of all the love and care flowing to you now.

You have been a consistent witness of faithfulness to the Lord. I know that even as a teenager you nightly read from your Bible. You began to read and share good books as a young man and even started a reformed book service ministry buying books for a bargain and selling them at cost for others to read. Even now you are being an evangelist from your home and on your blog. I have seen and heard of young people coming to speak with you about sin and salvation. You are just continuing what we have seen you do throughout your life. You are still such a stable and organized teacher.

As older siblings we were so blessed that you and Lena cared for our Mom and Dad for 20 years. We could always be confident that they were in good hands. You served them so faithfully. We know they appreciated you so much. It is hard for them now to see your body breaking down.

It has been hard for us to see you give your things away that you enjoyed so much knowing that you can’t use them any more – your fishing equipment, rods, lures, your entire collection. You are showing us how to let go of this world and everything in it.

Your love for friends and family has always been one of your endearing characteristics. The hardest thing for us is to see you with your grandchildren preparing them for when you will be gone. Your family loves you so much. You are blessed to have seen them come to faith in the Lord and embracing the same lifestyle you and Lena have lived – one that is trying to obey the golden rule to love God above all and others as self. It is so good to see your children and older grandchildren surrounding you with their concerns and love. The Lord has blessed your fathering, Jack. They will make sure their children will never forget you and will hold you up as an example to follow. There are not many people in the world, Jack, who are examples to follow. You are one and I am so thankful that you are my brother.

Your home has been open to us for years as we came to Dundas for church meetings. We have had such wonderful times of spiritual fellowship and family love. I am so blessed to have you as my brother. I want to keep you with us for a long, long time but I am beginning to know that God’s grace is sufficient for you and He knows what is best. He is your Father. You are His adopted son willing to serve Him and glorify Him even in this hard providence. His strength is made perfect in your weakness.

Jack, we thank God for your consistent life of giving God glory. You are doing that still. May God’s comforting presence carry you through to the end of your time with us.

I love you, Jack, but I know that God loves you more than I ever could. 

~Margaret

Dr. Turnbull Speaks at Rehoboth

Dr. John Turnbull, the neurologist/researcher from McMaster University hospital who is taking care of me, spoke to the Rehoboth high school students today. After being warmly welcomed by Jonathan of the Student Council, he explained to the students about ALS disease, and his research on finding a cure.

 

After a brief question and answer session, Nicole presented Dr. Turnbull with a cheque of $1025 raised by the volleyball tournament at RCS for ALS research.

Receiving one of the "Grace is sufficient" bracelets.

Dr. Turnbull challenged the students to go into the field of medicine to study the nervous system to find cures for various neurological diseases. He said 50% of the diseases known to humans are based in the brain and spinal cord. Since so much medical research has been done in cardiology and cancer, the average human life span has been increasing significantly. Now 80% of the people who are living to be 100 have Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson’s, and other neurological diseases. That is the next vast field of research to be explored in the future.


Kendra, a grade 5 student at Rehoboth, wanted to do her part to raise funds for ALS research. She came up with the idea of a candy jar filled with candies. To register a guess of how many candies are in the jar costs you a loonie. The closest guess to the real number wins the jar. Thanks for the bright idea Kendra!

Speaking Engagements

I have had the wonderful privilege of being able to speak to a total of 270 students at four Christian high schools in the last month. It started with an address to 180 students in grades 7-12 at Rehoboth Christian School in Copetown, where I have been their Principal. Then I was invited to Jordan Christian School in Jordan Station to address 30 students in grades 9-12 during their religion period. The Society and Religion class of 25 students at Hamilton District Christian School heard about my talk, and invited me last week for an hour. Then I spoke to 45 students in grades 9-12 at Oxford Reformed Christian School in Springford. It is very energizing for me to have the privilege to be in these schools and experience the hustle and bustle of teenaged students talking, and laughing in the hallways between classes. They are so full of life and energy, but mixed in with that there is also hidden dose of stresses, troubles, sadness and loneliness. These high school students are on the border line of adulthood, and many are at critical junctions in their lives when important life-changing decisions are being made.  I received a very encouraging email response from HDCH that I would like to share with you.

Dear Mr. Westerink,

Thank you so much for taking the time to come to talk to our class and inspiring us to live everyday as if it was our last. We thoroughly enjoyed your company and the perspective you gave us on something that we don’t normally have to face or think about. A few things that inspired us were; your comment about keeping our “lists” short because we don’t know if when we or anyone else may be called home, the whittling of the stick and how God slowly took things that were dear to you away and you were okay with that and how trusting in God both you and your wife are about this whole situation. Your strength and acceptance of your situation was really inspiring to us and the fact that you weren’t afraid to show your passion and emotion was touching. We wish you and your family all the best. Stay strong and may God bless the things you are doing for people like us.

Sincerely,

Jenn, Jodie, Christy, Nate, Lexi and Niesje (Neesha)