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Tassie Trip Day 1

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Pieter Stok

We arrived in Devonport at 7:30 am after a rather wild night at sea. The swell was huge and the winds strong. As it was Good Friday, Hetty read Romans 5 from the Gideon Bible in our cabin. It was a great affirmation of the power of the gospel. After extracting our car from the bowels of the ship we went through passport control (kidding, they were really the veggie police) and headed for Chudleigh.

In Chudleigh, a small town in the beautiful northern Tasmanian foot-hill country,there is a honey farm Hetty wanted to visit. After looking at their living displays of hives, and purchasing some honey, we headed east through Launceston, to Bridestowe where there is a Lavender farm. This another passion she has – lavender as a herb.

We have ended up at the “Bay of Fires” camping area. The sun is shining, the water is an amazing blue, the sands pristine and we are on holidays!

PS. I must apologise for the quality of the photos. The Nikon is refusing to speak to the iPad, so we are on plan B – iPad photos. 😦

Categories: Tasmania, Travel, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Blind to Blessings

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Pieter Stok

I don’t know if other people are like me but sometimes I fail to recognise how blessed I am.

My child bride is adding another notch on her belt of life on Tuesday. She is turning ** years of age. Her age has remained on 50 for a few years now. I first met her when she was 16, we were engaged when she was 17 and married at 18. She liked older men – I was 21 when we met. We have known each other now for over 40 years and in that time and from early on she grew to be my best friend and has remained so all that time.

Simply put, God has given given me a fantastic life partner and I have to confess that I have not always recognised that. There were times when work took priority and she loved me regardless. There were other times that I neglected the family and this is when her wisdom and tenacity really shone. There was one infamous occasion when I was in my office (I was a pastor at the time) and the intercom buzzed, “There is someone here to see you.” she chimed sweetly. “Send them up,” I replied. A few minutes later, who should walk into my office but the child bride. I was about to splutter that I was busy, had meetings, a sermon to write and etc. Anticipating what I was going to say, she declared, “If it had been anyone else in the church, or outside of your family for that matter, you would have dropped everything immediately and listened. Now listen! As you are my pastor I need to tell you something. My husband is never at home, he is always busy, the kids never see him and he is working himself into an early grave.” She continued but I won’t bore you. Except, that her husband listened and changed his attitude. And now, whenever he is tempted to lose sight of his priorities, she simply says, “Can I make an appointment to see you?” Usually that is enough. The hint is loud and clear.

God has been good to me through my ‘better half’ but I still need to remind myself of that because often I take the people closest to me for granted. It is an insidious and nasty habit I have.

I believe it illustrates a larger problem that many of us encounter: we are blind to the manifold blessings that shower our lives. They can be physical, spiritual, relational and emotional – family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues, team mates. Rather than looking at the problems, issues, crises, conflicts and loads to carry, I know that I need to take stock often and starting very close to home, remember how God has blessed me.

If I am not careful my child bride may ask for an appointment.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Faith, Family, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, Christianity, Faith, family | 8 Comments

Our Lego Addiction

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Pieter Stok

There are many things I am nearly addicted to: cheese, ice cream, a good wine & etc. The fear of weight increase and clogged arteries keeps that controlled, but we have a family addiction. I don’t think I have written about it much. Our friends know about it and if they don’t approve they at least quietly acknowledge my/our condition and just mutter quietly among themselves.

This obsession revolves around plastic – a plastic block. Yes, you have guessed – Lego or as the Americans say Legos. We started the collection about 35 years ago. Now that our last daughter has fled from the house we can finally take it out of cupboards, from under beds and on top of wardrobes as, at last, we have a room to store it in.

Over the years we have found a myriad ways to justify collecting and building with this Danish building material. Here are some.

We don’t have to think too hard for birthday and Christmas presents. Every second Christmas [odd years] is officially nominated as a Lego Christmas. There is not much point shaking the box to guess what is inside.
It is an activity that the family can do together.
It encourages creativity.
Rather than having lots of toys, it is one toy that grows.
It has allowed a dad who has six daughters (and now we are speaking of the distant past here) to lie on the floor playing with toys alongside his daughters without compromising his masculinity. (Side note: I promised myself a train-set when my first son was born. After three girls I went out and bought a train set anyway – a Lego train set so it would fit in with what the girls were doing.
And now that we are home alone, my wife and I have something to play with. As the knees are not what they used to be, we don’t play with them on the floor any more.
It was great toy for hand eye coordination when the girls were young. Now that we are getting older it helping my wife and me maintain our dexterity and test how far our eyesight has deteriorated.

The moral is: If you have an obsession or addiction, ensure that it is a healthy one.

Photos illustrating the illness can be found: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pstok/collections/72157613256264075/

Categories: Family, Lego, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: family | 7 Comments

Franklin and Whitefield

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Every so often we come across a friendship that is truly unique. The affection that Benjamin Franklin, scientist and humanist, and George Whitefield, evangelical Anglican preacher and evangelist, had for each other, was one of these.

Source: pbs.org

Sadly, they did not meet at a level of faith. Whitefield constantly challenged Franklin to believe in Christ but the rational scientist resisted. However they met at the level of human respect. Franklin respected Whitefield’s intelligence and desire to improve the world in which he lived. In one letter Franklin suggested that they move to Ohio together (in 1756), away from the constraints of the East Coast and set up a new society there – “A strong body of religious and industrious people.” Dallimore Vol. 2 p448.

Franklin was amazed by Whitefield’s oratory and ability to speak to huge crowds. On one occasion he estimated that Whitefield was speaking to a crowd of 30,000.

Even though Franklin disagreed with the siting of Whitefield’s orphanage in Georgia, in time he came to support the project both financially and through his newspaper.

Whitefield also admired Franklin as a thinker and man of action. Aside from faith, he recognised in Franklin a kindred spirit. Both were prepared to be scorned and ridiculed rather than compromise their values. Franklin, in reply to his sister who was concerned for his reputation, said that when, from a distance, you see boys throwing stones at a tree, you can be assured it is laden with fruit. In other words, receiving slander, libel and ridicule are evidence that the recipient is holding onto treasures.

In 1763 Whitefield even wrote to Franklin of his concerns regarding the growing tension in the relationship between the U.K. and the American colonies. It is clear that they were open with each other on all topics, from faith to politics.

These friendships in public life seem to be rare today. Wouldn’t it be a breath of fresh air to see an agnostic evolutionist scientist have a respectful and lasting friendship with a conservative evangelical. This would certainly be an example of how discussions and debates could be held – without the vitriol and character assassination which is all too prevalent from both sides.

Sources:

Arnold Dallimore’s two volume biography of George Whitefield.

http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/becomingamer/ideas/text2/franklinwhitefield.pdf

Categories: George Whitefield, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: Biography, Christian, Christianity, george whitefield | 1 Comment

Great Preaching

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Pieter Stok

This long weekend, being hot, and therefore not conducive to physical work, gave me an excellent opportunity to read some old sermons. I read through sermons by George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon. It was a great way to while away the hours. While reading the works of these great men a number of thoughts struck me:

Source: pbs.org

1. All the sermons I read were crammed with Biblical quotes and examples. These preachers used the Bible as their primary source. It was the well they constantly drew from; their first port of call. Even though they used the topics of their day, it was God’s Word that they stood on. There were no examples of pop psychology and glib jokes. They spoke on God’s behalf. Their aim was not to tickle ears.
2. The overarching story of Christ, promised in the Old Testament and delivered in the New was always central to their message. I found the cross constantly placed before me. I couldn’t dodge and weave. The Bible was a grand story not a series of fairy tales or even worse, a source of trite examples.
3. Finally, these sermons struck at my heart. They were passionate and didn’t allow me to simply listen for information, feel entertained or do some psychological self examination. Each preacher demanded that I consider my relationship with God and my place in His Kingdom. I was confronted by my brokenness and offered a solution to my condition. Whitefield, in particular, confronted fellow clergy as well.

I am not saying this style of preaching doesn’t occur today. It does, but it is in short supply. I have been to many different churches over the last 30 months. Psychology, information and a lack of passion is easy to find. I have also found passion without content. But Biblical passion, anchored in Biblical teaching seeking souls and declaring a Kingdom are, sadly, in short supply. Any person who feels called by God to preach could do well to go to these preachers of yesteryear and learn a thing or two. Even though I haven’t preached for a while, I felt convicted by these servants of God.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith, George Whitefield, preaching, Uncategorized | Tags: Charles Spurgeon, george whitefield, Jonathan Edwards, Preaching | Leave a comment

Never Satisfied

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Pieter Stok

It is 8:10 pm and the temperature is 33C. The air conditioner has been turned off because you shouldn’t need to have one on after the sun has gone down. I am now keeping the mosquitoes company on the back patio. The anti mossie candles have been lit and it seems to attract them. I think they enjoy having the extra light because it helps them find something juicy to bite.

How easily we become dissatisfied. Too much heat or not enough. Too much rain or not enough. Last evening I saw the second episode of the Ken Burns documentary on the Dust Bowl. The people living in this part of the USA had every reason to complain. Too much heat, not enough rain and tonnes of dust – for years. This series says so much about the human character. It’s courage, perseverance, foolishness, greed, hope and despondency, and nearly very other trait, good and bad, you can think of. The programme shows how the rapacious over use of the land plus a drought led to the denuding of the top soil, but in the midst of that people sacrificed themselves for their neighbours and their families. Some people capitulated quickly while others held on for years.

We humans are strange lot. In just one person we can see good and the not so good; The altruistic and the selfish, the arrogant and the humble. I suppose that is one of the reasons I love the Christian faith so much for one day it will only be the good that remains, in fact, I will be more than good, I will be perfect. Not even my best friends can imagine that!

It’s is now 8:45 pm and the temperature is 31C. I’m still not happy and the mosquitoes still love me.

Categories: christian, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: gripes, Weather | 9 Comments

The Christian and Generation Changes

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Much is made of the various generations nowadays – from Baby boomers, to Gen X & Y and whatever other nomenclature is attached. What it tells us is that every generation is impacted by the previous generation and the social environment of the time. Baby-boomers arose out of the dust of war and entered a prosperous new age. “The Pill”, the sheer numbers of young people, wealth and education all had their impact. Today’s young people have a totally different set of influences that shape their view of themselves and the world.

My aim isn’t to analyse the influences on each generation, many sociologists and psychologists have done that, but rather, ask the question: What is the Christian response to this?

I would suggest that every era has had to weigh its life in the light of the gospel. In the time of the disciples, Greek and Roman culture were massive influences on the people of the day. They needed to ask, what is Godly and what isn’t? How has my thinking and behaviour, values and world-view been influenced in ungodly ways by the environment in which I live? The apostle Paul continually reminds his readers about the culture from which they have come: “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth…”(Eph 2:11) “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.” (Gal 4:8) “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ.” (Col 2:8)

Paul is passionately aware that we are shaped by our environments – by the popular world-views of the day. He reminds his readers that it is time to be shaped by their new relationship with God through Christ. This is a radical (from the root up) new way of looking at life and the world.

Image:stickergiant.com

That is no different for us or for our children. Our lives should be continually lived in the light of the gospel. Our use of time, wealth, gifts and talents, technology, leisure, social media, entertainment, relationships and so on, all need evaluation in the light of what it means to live a Christ-like life. Our very perspective of how we live life and why we live live life the way we do, should be anchored in Christ.

My dad grew up in the “radio” era, I grew up in the TV era and my kids in the IT and social media era. Each had different challenges and subsequent generations will have new challenges again. The one certainty in all of this is that Christ and the gospel don’t change. It is the constant lens through which every generation must look at the world in which it lives and ask the question: Does my life honour God?

Categories: christian, Christianity, Devotional, Ethics, Faith, Family, Uncategorized, World Views | Tags: Christian, Christianity, Devotion | 7 Comments

Memories of Church No.3 – Methodists and Mayhem

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Pieter Stok

This is part 3 of my early recollections of church.

In the mid 1960’s the church to which I now belonged rented a Methodist church that only had a few members left. After a couple of years we purchased the building and added to our congregation a small number of aged Methodists who refused to leave the building they had been part of for their whole lives. One of the “fixtures” was Mr. Robinson who, in his earlier life, had shown 16mm films in the local schools. He was also an expert on first aid and was always willing to give our youth group demonstrations. As we had Dutch parents and grandparents, Mr Robinson was our connection with the new culture in which we lived.

This was also the time that I was starting to think about the future. God put in a number of factors: there was a teacher who urged me to apply for University, which, as I have explained in earlier blogs was light-years away from my parents’ experience, and there was Rev. Deenick who urged me to explore the concept of Christian education. Rev. D. didn’t hit me with all of that at once but over time we had discussions, and he urged me to read certain books and attend particular conferences and so when the time came, in the then, distant future, I was helplessly drawn into a group of people whose aim it was to set up a Christian school, and ended up being a Christian school teacher.

At the time it seemed all so “accidental” but looking back Rev. Deenick and God were in close collaboration.

But I am racing ahead of myself. When I look back, being a Christian was a serous matter. It was not about having fun – and I am ok with that. Awe, obedience and doing things the right way were explicitly and implicitly drummed into us.

Then in the second half of the 1960s an upheaval occurred. One of the professors from the theological college (the “house” I mentioned previously) started teaching the doctrine of a second blessing with the baptism of the Holy Spirit*. To be blunt, theological war broke out and my parents were in the middle of it. As a teenager I pretended nothing was happening, after all, even though church was important there were also music, girls, cars and a bit of study to consider.

Little did I know then that this was part of the Pentecostal/Charismatic tsunami that was to hit Australian churches, and whether I liked it or not, I would have to reflect deeply on the Bible and what I believed.

* Both these men, Rev Deenick and Professor Schep, in opposing theological camps, are mentioned under my blog heading: Melchisedeks.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, Family, History, my dad, Reflections, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, Christian Education, Christianity, Church, Devotion, Faith, history | 2 Comments

Memories of Church No. 2 or Coffee, Calvinism and Cigars

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Yesterday I started my reflections on growing up in a migrant church in the 1950s. Today the story continues …

By my mid teen years we were worshiping in Geelong. This congregation, which was much larger, did not have its own building yet and had also moved several times – from a Temperance Hall (with amiable rats) to Church Halls. At this time I attended “Catechism classes”, also in relocated army huts. (A story for another occasion involves the Friday after school Catechism classes held at our home. But that deserves a special heading of its own). Previously we had had Saturday Morning School. Every Saturday morning, (as the name suggests!) the children from Ocean Grove were herded into a windowless van my dad normally used to cart veggies, and were sent to a house in Geelong, which also doubled as a theological college, (these dutchies weren’t shy!) and we spent two hours learning about the Bible, Church History and creation while our Aussie friends played football, tennis or cricket. I must confess they were not my favourite two hours of the week. It was an attempt by our parents and the church to compensate for the lack of Christian education, not as I suspected at the time, a form of sadistic adult cruelty.

Around that time, due to the closure of our church, we started attending church in Geelong which had a very traditional dutch minister. When asked what the church was doing for evangelism, his honest reply was, “We open the doors of the church every Sunday.” He soon returned to Holland (and, I believe, to a “black stocking” church) and a new minister arrived who had a profound impact on my life. Rev. J.W. Deenick was a staunch Calvinist who had an amazing sense of the the Christian’s role in the Kingdom of God. With the gift of hindsight I realise that he planted some of that in me.

The church services were just as dull as usual – the hymns sober, the organ slow and not a

Image: Courtesy, Wikipedia

guitar in sight. I recall on one occasion being reprimanded by my dad for wearing corduroy trousers, “Would you visit the Queen wearing those pants?” “She hasn’t invited me,” I thought but didn’t dare express. However, now with the new minister there were activities to get involved in; Holiday Clubs (or Vacation Bible Schools) to run and Beach Missions to organise during the summer. For a keen teenager this gave purpose to a Christian’s life. Looking back, it was a time when we began to shed our ethnic hangups and sought to become part of Australian society and bring our own unique contributions: coffee, Calvinism and cigars – not necessarily in that order.

All the while we still had our dreaded catechism classes after which followed the more enjoyable youth club time with its topical studies, business meeting and games – as well as meeting girls. This is where I discovered my wife – after a few false starts!

Tomorrow I want to explore my entry into Christian education.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, Family, my dad, Uncategorized | Tags: Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, family, history | 1 Comment

Memories of Church No 1.

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Pieter Stok

Some of my earliest memories centre on Church. In our small migrant community in Ocean Grove during the mid 1950s, our kitchen was the biggest room. So every Sunday the Reformed people would meet at our home. Sometimes a sermon was read and on occasions a visiting preacher would do the honours. My dad played an asthmatic reed organ that he had rescued from somewhere – possibly the tip. He also loved the once a month communion service because the bottle of left over wine was passed on to him – a real treat at a cashed strapped time! I imagine his only regret was that cigars were not part of the service!

Our family in that kitchen in about 1957. N.B. I was a blond in those days.

When the community grew in size we moved to the “Methodist Camp” which had a hall large enough to accommodate the growing community. My brother was baptised there as a baby in 1956. Later it was the Anglican Church Hall. A time came when we built our own church building over the road from the Primary School. A disused army hut was moved on site and as funds became available it was rebuilt to serve as a multi use hall. The kids were able to help by carrying and painting and serving cups of tea and coffee.

However by the mid 1960s most of the dutch migrants had moved closer to Geelong and to places of work. The church closed and the building was relocated to another town for another small congregation.

This period of time, at the most encompassing 12 years, has warm memories for me. The overwhelming sense is one of community and cooperation. “New Australians” needed each other as they coped with the massive issues of arriving in a new land. For a while we shared a car with one of the other families. People helped each other out and the church building was just a small example of a bigger attitude of selfless service. When babies were born the rest of the children were farmed out – this was so “usual” for us and it was fun to have new brothers and sisters for a week.

This was my first memory of church. It was what I thought church was about. Years later as wealth entered the community and people became more independent something was lost.

But I like to dream. I remember the time when people walked from all corners of Ocean Grove just to come to our kitchen. I remember the laughter as the adults drank coffee and smoked (sorry – I have to tell the truth!) after the service. There were all these friends I could play with and we could take walks near the marshes along the river. That was Sunday and that was church. When I got back home and everyone had left I would find dad settling down with a glass of wine, and a cigar – if he was lucky.

Categories: christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, Family, my dad, Uncategorized | Tags: childhood memories, Christian, Christianity, Church, Faith, family | 6 Comments