SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NATIONS REV DR DACHOLLOM CHUMANG DATIRI ON THE VISIT TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN NATIONS

REV DR DACHOLLOM CHUMANG DATIRI 

ON THE VISIT TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (GCFR) PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

ON 6TH NOVEMBER 2018 AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA, ASO ROCK, ABUJA

1. INTRODUCTION

Your Excellency, we acknowledge with profound gratitude your magnanimity in granting us audience with you today. This speaks volumes about your desire to interact with your people from the grassroots. 

The Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN) is a Christian denomination that came into being as a result of the missionary work of Dr. Helmann Karl Kumm who came to Nigeria from the United Kingdom and set up a mission station in Wase, Plateau State in October 1904, a little over a hundred and fourteen years ago. From the word go, he came with the express purpose of establishing  an indigenous church that is self-governing, self-propagating, and self-supporting. Our membership has grown to about 3 million across Nigeria. We also have Churches in UK, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa etc.

2. BACKGROUND

From inception the church envisioned to not only address spiritual needs of humanity but also their intellectual, physical, and social needs. Our educational institutions, especially the Gindiri secondary schools among many others, have produced great minds and leaders that have served in strategic positions in the leadership of this country. Currently, our Karl Kumm University project is at an advance level, only awaiting NUC approval. The Vom Christian hospital established in the early 1920s has provided medical services of the highest quality serving not only Nigeria but also neighbouring countries.

The church has also contributed significantly in rural development through her defunct Faith and Farm programme and now through her COCIN Community Development Programme (CCDP).

Our primary goal is preaching the pure gospel of salvation of mankind, focusing on the spiritual and moral transformation of our society. Our current theme is “Attaining the Righteousness of God”, a veritable ingredient and tool in the fight against corruption, violence, wickedness, injustice and all the ills bedevilling our dear country. Today, COCIN has a strong presence in many parts of the world including the UK, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, to mention a few and all States and the FCT of Nigeria.

Your Excellency, your emergence as winner in the 2015 general elections was greeted with high expectations of better days ahead by Nigerians. You promised us many good things, and we believed you. We had high hopes that corruption would be squarely dealt with, insurgency would be a thing of the past, the economy will grow more than ever before, and significant improvements will be recorded in many other sectors of the country like the health and the education sectors.

We are committed to obeying the injunction of the Holy Bible to pray for those in leadership: 

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy‬2:1-4‬NIV‬). 

We are here to tell you the truth with the hope that it will help you to make adjustments and take appropriate action.We are aware that you might have received several false and misleading information regarding the perennial crises.It is our hope that you will oblige us to tell you our concerns and pains affecting us and make suggestions that will bring about positive impacts on your government.

Mr President, we wish to confirm to you that COCIN has her headquarters in Jos with about 65% of the population of Plateau State being her members. This we believe gives us first-hand knowledge of the true facts on the ground.

3. ISSUES/CHALLENGES

Your Excellency, in the last eighteen (18) years, COCIN as a denomination has suffered destruction of lives and property more than any church or any community. The devastation in terms of massacre of lives and destruction of property is unimaginable. 

a) Pastors and members in their thousands have been killed in cold blood, either shot dead or slaughtered like animals or burned to death. Houses and businesses have been burned or looted and farmlands have been destroyed.

b) In the North East, COCIN has suffered losses more than anybody in Yobe, Borno ( Maiduguri, Gwoza, Chibok, etc.) and in Adamawa States. And yet, despite the huge government intervention in that area, very little relief has come to COCIN and her members, if any.We are aware that a lot of government intervention in terms of relief material has gone to the North East. Unfortunately, our members in that zone have been left out of the distribution. 

c) In TafawaBalewa and Bogoro LGAs of Bauchi State where COCIN boasts of more than 90% of the population, lives lost are in their thousands and property destroyed estimated in billions of Naira. We have also suffered heavy losses in Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kaduna States, etc.

d) In Plateau State, the lives lost have been in thousands, and property destroyed have been in billions of Naira. This year alone, the devastation has not only been enormous but unbelievable. Even on the day you visited Jos in March and launched the Peace Roadmap, Your Excellency, lives were being massacred in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas.And in June, over three hundred people (about 350) were massacred, slaughtered in cold blood over a period of three days in BarkinLadi and Riyom Local Government Areas. Since then, almost on a daily basis, people are either ambushed and shot dead or attacked in their homes and killed in cold blood, or killed on their farms.

The narrative has been that these people are killed by unknown gunmen, or suspected herdsmen, or that there have been farmer-herders clashes. All these are deceptive narratives deliberately framed to conceal the truth and continue to perpetrate the evil. The truth is that our people have been attacked and killed by Fulani Militias heavily armed with sophisticated guns including AK47, machine guns, and Rocket Propelled Grenades. After the attacks it is the Fulani herders that settle and graze their cattle on the farms of the victims. Are we to believe that the armed forces sent to keep peace go with the instructions to protect them? The implication is that they protect the aggressors and leave the victims mercilessly helpless. The proficiency and mode of operation in all of these attacks, as testified by the surviving victims, leaves us in no doubt of the complicity of the military being used as hired mercenaries by the Fulani militias. On this, we are disappointed, and sadly so, that Government has not delivered on her constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

Your Excellency, we suspect that you may not have these facts and statistics. We are therefore leaving with you a CD of graphic details of the devastation that backs up the statistics we are attaching to this speech.Hereunder is a summary of some of the affected areas

BarkinLadi and Riyom Local Government Areas From 23rd – 25th June 2018

i. Number of Displaced persons - 1714

ii. Number of Houses burned – 474

iii. Number of farmlands destroyed – 1430

iv. Number of Churches destroyed – 12

v.        Number of persons killed – 350

Bokkos Local Government Area March, 2018

i. Number of Displaced persons – 5,617

ii. Number of House destroyed – 2,513

iii. Number of villages dislodged – 7

iv. Number of Churches destroyed - 9

v. Number of persons killed – 43

Bassa Local Government Area September 2017- October 2018

i. Number of displaced persons – 11, 457

ii. Number of Houses destroyed – 1,345

iii. Number of villages dislodged – 16

iv. Number of Churches destroyed – 9

v. Number of persons killed 253

On the Plateau, with the attacks on communities in BarkinLadi, Bassa, Bokkos, and Riyom; as well as in Jos North Local Government in the recent past as seen above, there are not less than thirty-eight thousand (38,000) refugees in over ten IDP camp, with very little or grossly inadequate government intervention. The church has been overstretched trying to provide succor to these poor victims of man’s inhumanity to fellow human beings.

Death of Major General Idris Mohammed Alkali

The Church strongly condemns this act of criminality that resulted in the death of the General, or any act of criminality for that matter. We wish to condole the family, praying for God’s comfort. The perpetrators of this wicked act should be made to face the full weight of the law. We urge the Government to prevail on the military hierarchy to follow the due process and the rule of law in the investigation and prosecution of the offenders.There is also the case of the ongoing constant harassment of innocent citizen of Jos South on account of the death of the retired army General. We believe that the extent to which people in the communities of Latya, Dura, and Kwang including those travelling through the area have been dehumanized by the military can never be justified as whole communities cannot be persecuted for the crime of a few.

4. PRAYERS

a. Recovery and Resettlement: We have a lot of our members in the IDP camps and others living with relatives in other communities. There is an urgent need for them to return back to their homes to continue their farming activities which is their main source of livelihood. Their lands and homes needs to be recovered and rebuild.

b. Rehabilitation: The IDPs and very depressed and broken, there is need to rehabilitate them. They need to be reassured that they government is concerned of their welfare. Economically, they need to be re-equipped with farming tools, fertilizers and seeds.

c. Our Churches and Institutions Destroyed: The Church has always been the last hope for the poor, downtrodden, depressed and broken. It is the first place for rehabilitation. If the IDPs are resettled in their various communities, their usual meeting points are their Churches, schools and hospitals established by the same Church. The Church buildings and institutions should be rebuild.

d. Release of Leah Sharibu and other abductees: The continuous captivity of Miss Leah Sharibu and others because of their faith as Christians is most unfortunate. We call on the Federal Government to take every adequate measure in ensuring their safe release from their abductors.

e. Land allocation and approvals of Land titles to Churches in Northern States: We call on the Federal Government to prevail on the State Governments in the North to approve allocations to Churches and to grant them title over their lands.

f. Teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge in Schools in Most Northern States: We implore the Federal Government to direct the Federal Ministry of Education to allow the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge in public schools in most of the Northern states particularly Kano, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna among others.

Conclusion

We wish to once again appreciate Mr. President for his warm reception and patience. We Pray for God’s wisdom and strength as you preside over the affairs of the Nation. 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Rev. Dr. DachollomDatiri

President COCIN

The changing world (217) Oct 1998

Oct 1 Went to see Shamim Damji and her pharmacy, Samson's, at lunchtime as requested for weekly report but she was on a course.
2nd     Liz phoned in sick so a busy day with my right hand lady, dispenser Maureen. Liz was to prove such a pain I was very happy when she found another job. First day too cold to sit in the park for a lunchtime pipe.
3rd      Session. Took Deb and Katy to Saving Private Ryan. Over rated. Over American. Over gory. Sound poor but I loved the Psalm quoting sniper.
4th      Led in morning but David B said I was like a man whose team had lost 0-1 at home yesterday . Leeds had!
A few days with no diary entries prove David had correctly spotted my depression. Eventually it led to me being stopped leading services. This was the undiagnosed chronic bipolar IMO.
10th     To Potters Bar celebrating Leaper's silver wedding.
11th      DB led with a long confession of sin. SC seemed out of sorts.
17th      Worship leaders meeting better than expected and quite encouraging. Watched Devil's Advocate which has become a favourite film, one I have watched it several times which is a rarity. it has hidden depths and wood quotes too.
18th      Gave David birthday present of £30 which was towards a stereo which he promptly bought.
19th      Gave Maureen chocolates for her birthday. Housegroup at Judy's, Eph 3.
22nd     Becklers visit with Noah and an expensive bottle of Jack Daniels.
23rd      I am down and lacking in fellowship with the Lord. I think it is in part the strain of the new busy job. I changed work because free from councillor responsibilities I could work farther away rom Ealing as I no longer needed o be a at 7pm town hall meetings.
24th       With Katy to see Margery in hospital. She looked dehydrated.
25th        Did tandoori for pot luck in honour of Becklers who spoke in evening about his Pasadena based PCUSA mission work with unreached peoples. J&M here to hear them. Daily devotions are hard. I was yet to be definitely disciplined with daily devotions. Once again the undiagnosed bipolar contributed I am sure.
26th        Half term so road to work quieter. Liz back but still not really fit it seems and she did not react well to a disciplinary warning. Sabine from Samsons helped in morning.Visited Margery at Northwick park where parking is difficult and the long corridor to the wards totally depressing.
27th        Feeling better with devotions. Sometimes I would sing myself into work. Not because I felt good but because I wanted to praise as a duty until I felt better. The boss says the warning I was told to give liz was for continual health absences. First time failed to get a parking space at work.
28th        To Speedwell practice lunchtime meeting with a rep providing lunch and showing an embarrassing video on erectile disfunction. Good to meet three lady doctors. Sabine prefers me to Samson's shop. Ep4 housegroup at marbles.
30th         Heard from Joe that Linette has broken her wrist so he cannot come to preach. I prepared on Ps 96 his chosen passage. Rachel out for Rob's birthday and deb bowling with IPC youth.
31st         Katy with IPC women to Greatham to hear Susan Macaulay.

The changing world (216) Sep 1998

Sep 1st First day at Torrington Park HCC Ltd, North Finchley. Half an hour's drive. Two good staff but horrendous Richardson computer. Very busy morning but quieter afternoon after ninety minutes lunch break.
2nd       Housegroup here on Eph 1
3rd        The boss, Mrs Damji, says they may replace the present computer.
4th         Getting better with the labelling. Meal with Mansells staff at clay oven. Given a decanter. Davis to Exeter.
5th         Rachel will pay £140 a month for her keep.
6th         Led in morning not following an order of service from SC. Peat family to lunch. He is seeking a job. Evening prayer meeting.
7th         First WE, Pray.
10th       Deb back to college.
11th       Starr report on Clinton recommends impeachment.
12th       Session in morning. Pleased no weekend work and no dispensing for addicts at all.
13th       To preach at Chelmsford Presbyterian. Arrived with only five minutes to spare. Flashed by speed camera coming back but received no letter later.
14th        First day with extra work as Liz on holiday. She was to prove to be a pain, obsessed with the way her local SS had treated he so badly.
15th       Enjoying Jimmy's biography of his father James Herriott and how his father found it hard to communicate with his son.
16th       Housegroup at Judy's. Deb unhappy at college.
17th         Very busy, 300+ scripts. Ealing CHC introductory evening. Deb off college.
18th        Busy again. Last day Priya, WE.
20th        David ed for SC on Psalms but I am not finding him inspiring.
21st        Helped by a lad from the bosses shop as Liz on holiday still. Ealing CHC at Acton a bore.
22nd      Five of us to The Lantern for Rachel's birthday - with a boyfriend. £100 bill.
23rd       Housegroup at Marilees, Acton.
24th       First pay, £2011 net. Bis wants to talk every Thursday lunchtime.
26th       Had a £28 ticket to see Leeds at Spurs. Exciting 3-3.
27th       Not happy at IPC with the way Mike P led with all modern songs and SC not really expository on evangelism.
28th        Dispenser Liz back to work.
29th        Late home for housegroup as A406 congested with Arsenal playing Champions League at Wembley whole their new stadium is being built.

The changing world (215) Aug 1998

Aug 1st Wedding of Christine wells and Christopher Rinaldi at Laeaham Parish Church then Wraysbury Village hall . I did grace and Hausa blessing.
2nd        Preached on The bread of life. Good music group from Memphis, PCA. Paid granted for his Metro.
5th         Housegroup at Margery's. She has agreed to chemotherapy.
6th         David back from Birmingham to prepare to be best man for Richard in Nottingham.
8th         Took Deb to Shelford. Drove to Harrogate. Geoffrey took us for illegal T-bone steak at The Drovers. The landlord was charged by trading standards. he opted for jury trial hoping for a reverse verdict from a sympathetic jury. But before it was due in court the law was abolished prohibiting meat on the bone.
9th          Took Dorothy to Thirsk Methodist. Awful liberal woman speaking. Visited Neil and Vera. Dorothy wanted to be home by 3pm so we went on to Muker, Hawes, Kettlewell and Nixons at Kanaresborough.
10th           Took Dorothy to Aysgarth, Keld, Wensleydale Cheese centre, Hawse, Low Row.
11th           Picked up deb at Shelford. Miriam upset she is to be made redundant. Rachel happy in new work despite mental health this time. David delivering paint. Very hot.
12th           Packed for Austria, out first European holiday.
13th           Oak Hall coach through Channel tunnel and France through the night.
14th           We are in a wealthy Austrian ski resort. Sunburned by the pool.
15th            To Salzburg, cathedral, shops, Mozart birthplace, funicular railway.
16th            Two services. Day by the pool.
17th             Raadstadt via Zul am Zee lake. Very hot. Opted out of Oak Hall devotions.
18th             To Hauser linley via cable car. Excellent views. My snack which I thought has grated cheese blew my head off with it being horseradish. Breakfasts and lunches are boring here and booze is banned.
19th             Down salt mine. 28 killed by Omagh bomb.
20th             Boat trip on Holstein lake. Bad Ischl but did nor see where WWI declaration was signed. Saw where Bruckner was organist and Lehar wrote.Climbed hill to what I thought was Calvin Kirke only to find it was the RC Calvaria Kirke.
21st            Finding the food insipidly English.
22nd           Coach through Germany and France to Victoria where David met us. Rachel with Joanne in Coventry.
23rd            SC on Ps 57 then evening on NT use of OT. David preached twice at Surbiton Baptist. Rachel back home from Coventry.
24th             Last week at mattock lane.
25th             Deb has passed her course with merit.
26th             Ran into back of a car with my bike and his back light cost me £166.67. Housegroup.
28th             Russel's surgery gave me lunch and bubbly. Granville Harvester to celebrate deb's results.
29th             My last day at mattock Lane. All the others to Great Shelford.
30th             Grandad here with his sister Myra from Canada. Kurt Peistrup to lunch and Melissa part of a team from Birmingham Alabama who took the evening service.

The changing world (214) Jul 1998

Jul 1st  After work to Katy who hopes to be home from hospital tomorrow. Asked public question at Education Committee concerning when Oldfield will have a new building. David had a day driving a Mercedes delivery van.
2nd       Katy home from hospital.
3rd        Found Katy had decamped downstairs at night due to my snoring so went to bed downstairs at night. Halletts visited Katy. France beat Italy and Brazil beat Denmark.
4th         Session discussed a letter to members about LD's discipline.Beldams visited Katy. David to Farnborough. Holland beat Argies. Big shock Croatia 3 Germany 0.
5th        Katy up all day. David took his grandad back home. Members meeting about LD. Tasted thimblefuls of 22 malts at Babcocks and brought all the bottles home as they are leaving the country. This probably was one reason why the CPS never proceeded against LD. But years later I had two CID at the door with an account of two other teenagers with accusations against LD. He was very scared but nothing came of it. He was scared he would lose his tenancy. Years later he did but that was when he was taken into care for dementia. he died in a council home and no-one was informed. I had expected to be asked to take his funeral service but I was spared that service.
6th         Nicki are brought food. England drew with SA at Old Trafford. Deb visited the twins. David drinking with Richard for he is to be best man. Still sleeping downstairs.
7th         Constables visited. Skiotis brought food. Holland lose to Brazil on penalties.
8th         Pasta from Clowneys.
9th         With boss to visit two homes. Oldfield Annual Parents evening poorly attended. Deb received student of the year award at course awards evening. Chicken meal from Hosiers.
10th       Put weekly quotes on web. Rachel to New Forest with Rob. Lasagne from Constables.
11th       Pizza to celebrate Deb's college success. Croatia beat Holland for World Cup third place.
12th       A few only at my sermon on forgiveness as most were at Less. Rachel home from New Forest. David to friend CJ in Watford. France won world cup beating Brazil. Took Mr O home and took his Metro.
13th       David on his second week of van driving job. Back to sleeping in our bed.
14th       Took Katy to visit Margery.
15th       With Katy and Deb to Brent Cross and bought a vase as wedding present for Christine Wells. Housegroup.
16th        Took Katy to ladies Bible study. Deb looking after the twins.
17th         Last day of Selma on WE. Deb babysat Jonny Constable as his mother is in USA and SC cannot go due to green card problems.
18th         J&M came to visit recovering Katy.
19th         Rob Leveret from Georgia and with World Harvest preached. Carl larson to lunch. I preached on hermeneutics. Halletts brought food.
20th         First time in six months no WE help. Hot but then cooled by rain.
21st         In the town hall gallery to see Labour resist calls for Liz Brookes, chair of SS, to resign.
22nd        Housegroup at Judy's. The Lords reject the bill setting the homosexual age of consent at 16.
23rd         Still cycling to work.
24th         Letter published in Gazette on SS chair not resigning.
25th         David to Scripture Union mission in Birmingham. Rachel to Hertford, us to Braithwaite's.
26th         Led for Paul. Spoke on prophecy and culture in the evening. Rachel back home.
29th         Housegroup.
30th         Katy and Deb to Judy Cradock's cottage with the ladies Bible study group.

Diary w/e 10 Nov 2018

Sun 4 Nov

One of the three happiest days of my life - our first Sunday in the new IPC building. Adult Sunday School in the old chapel, Arthur Keefer on Proverbs. He has a Cambridge doctorate on this and now he is chaplain and divinity teacher at Eton. Paul preached from Mat 11, John the Baptists questions about Jesus. It was emotional for preacher and this hearer. Paul thanked our building committee, five members, two of whom have now moved elsewhere. The building is in the 'far more abundant than you ask or think' category. The chapel was cold so we have some things to sort out and chairs to buy, but fellowship was extra happy and warm.
   My brother and sister in law returned to Harrogate after morning worship. I did tandoori chicken for the Keefers. He is American, she of Nigerian heritage and doing research into cystic fibrosis. They were formerly in Cambridge EPCEW and our other lunch guest, James Fowler is also American and formerly at Durham EPCEW.
   In the evening Paul preached on Balaam, Num 22 and I did my 12th man duty. When the elder due to preside at the table had forgotten so was unprepared, I was ready, willing and honoured to preside.

Mon 5th

First session meeting in the new building's lounge.

Tue 6 Nov

U3A World religions on Conversion Therapy so we discussed homosexuality and transgenderism. Then my usual pastoral visit.

Wed 7 Nov

Eight of us met for U3A Current Affairs on 'Appointments to the judiciary USA and UK'. We contrasted the two - how UK's judiciary appointments are removed from politics. We also contrasted the two supreme courts and how the UK's interprets law and cannot make it. In the US the supreme court makes law when it declares a law constitutional or otherwise. Podiatry then birthday greetings taken to our church member who is 91 today - flowers, spicy pizza and a card. She had a birthday surprise too - a hospital appointment to remove her cataracts on December 20th. Over thirty at our first monthly prayer meeting in the new building.

Thu 8 Nov

U3A weekly meeting addressed by three men from the Royal Navy with the navy's PR presentation as to its worth. Lunch with the Littles at Prezzo, Ruislip.

Fri 9th


Today I dug the unplanted corner of the garden for the fourth time. The first three were with Claybreaker to break up the clay soil. This time I dug in manure preparing to plant our new tree, a very decorative crab apple.

Sat 10th

Today I go to Sutton Coldfield meeting with Christians working to evangelise Muslims of Pakistani origin in UK. Festival of Remembrance. However my plans to watch it as usual have been frustrated by the ladies wanting a film on the box. God save the Queen - and cobblers to Hollywood.

The Belgic Confession Article 36 amended by the Christian Reformed Church

That the American Presbyterians changed the Westminster Confession articles on the power of the civil magistrate is well known. Less week known is how Americans have altered the Belgic Confession. Here it is.

Article 36: The Civil Government

We believe that
because of the depravity of the human race,
our good God has ordained kings, princes, and civil officers.
God wants the world to be governed by laws and policies
so that human lawlessness may be restrained
and that everything may be conducted in good order
among human beings.

For that purpose God has placed the sword
in the hands of the government,
to punish evil people
and protect the good.

[RCA only*
And the government’s task is not limited
to caring for and watching over the public domain
but extends also to upholding the sacred ministry,

with a view to removing and destroying

all idolatry and false worship of the Antichrist;

to promoting the kingdom of Jesus Christ;
and to furthering the preaching of the gospel everywhere;
to the end that God may be honored and served by everyone,
as he requires in his Word.]

[CRC only**
And being called in this manner
to contribute to the advancement of a society
that is pleasing to God,
the civil rulers have the task,

subject to God’s law,

of removing every obstacle

to the preaching of the gospel
and to every aspect of divine worship.

They should do this
while completely refraining from every tendency

toward exercising absolute authority,

and while functioning in the sphere entrusted to them,

with the means belonging to them.

They should do it in order that

the Word of God may have free course;
the kingdom of Jesus Christ may make progress;
and every anti-Christian power may be resisted.]

Moreover everyone,
regardless of status, condition, or rank,
must be subject to the government,
and pay taxes,
and hold its representatives in honor and respect,
and obey them in all things that are not in conflict

with God’s Word,

praying for them

that the Lord may be willing to lead them

in all their ways

and that we may live a peaceful and quiet life

in all piety and decency.

[RCA only***
And on this matter we reject the Anabaptists, anarchists,
and in general all those who want
to reject the authorities and civil officers
and to subvert justice

by introducing common ownership of goods
and corrupting the moral order

that God has established among human beings.]

* The Reformed Church in America retains the original full text, choosing to recognize that the confession was written within a historical context which may not accurately describe the situation that pertains today.
**Synod 1958 of the Christian Reformed Church replaced the aforementioned paragraph with the following three paragraphs (in brackets).
***The RCA retains this final paragraph of the original Article 36, choosing to recognize that the confession was written within a historical context which may not accurately describe the situation that pertains today. Synod 1985 of the CRC directed that this paragraph be taken from the body of the text and placed in a footnote.

Diary w/e 3 Nov 2018

Sun 28 Oct

Laurens completed his adult Sunday School series on worldview. Paul Preached Mat 10, Christ bringing a sword, and reminded us this was our last Sunday away from our church premises. Debbie found from her records that it is nine and a half years since we had morning service at Drayton Green.  Seabers to lunch. Janet is, with us, the only Ealing IPC members who were here when the church started in September 1969 with Schaeffer preaching. Evening I took David J to Harmansworth again for his talk on witness to Muslims. We has around 25 there. New men from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and for my first time, a Palestinian Christian.

Mon 29th

Looking after Elissa who has a day of school for teacher training and Ethan is at hospital OPD with his problem foot.

Tues 30th

Paul Levy ELT on Ps 63. Then pastoral visit. Cooked sweet and sour. Fed up with Amazon limiting the number of book reviews I can post.

Wed 30th

Went to see the inside of our new church building and posted lots of photos on its new facebook page.  Cut the grass. Last housegroup on 1Sam. My Met Police notice on the front door saying no trick or treat seemed to work.

Th 1 Nov

Podiatry at Greenford Green spotted crack below left big toe which she dressed and booked me in in a week. Geoffrey and Sara came from Harrogate and we ate at Cafe Rouge, Ruislip.

Fri 2 Nov

With Katy, brother and his wife to the V&A. Good takeaway from Royal Rasoi. https://www.just-eat.co.uk/restaurants-royal-rasoi-greenford?ppc=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw6-_eBRBXEiwA-5zHaS0Mhakqwjpv3esRxmIfrvlX9PZqPZSw2ohFoNJTnyeO0tuLWiAi-xoCgg0QAvD_BwE

Sat 3 Nov

To the new IPC building on Drayton Green. All hands to the plough to be ready for the first service there tomorrow. After lunch to Gunnersbury Park with Katy, my brother and sister in law. Very impressed by the improvements to the museum which have been funded from the Lottery. Then to St Thomas Church hall, Boston Manor, Hanwell to see The Darkest Hour. A film to make one thank God for his providence in 1940.

Books read in November 2018

1. What Happened ! - a sequel to 'My Damascus Road' by Francisco Lacueva (Author)

A former Spanish Man Catholic priest and professor explains how having left Roman Catholicism and  be married in England, he came to leave his wife and return to Spain and the Jesuits there. He lives for two years in two monasteries. The pope refused to reinstate him as a pries and he is released from priestly RC vows. After three years there is evangelical repentance and a return to his wife, held and England. Why he had returned to Rome/Spain he thinks to be sinful but in large part psychological. His evangelical repentance may have been prompted by the arcane legalism of the RC church. It is not in the book but he persevered in evangelical faith to die in old age after work as a missionary and theologian.

2. Humanism & Human Rights by Richard Forbes.

Written in Canada in response to the International Year for Human Rights in 1968. A Reformational=neo-calvinistic critique of humanistic human rights. From reading this, only the Covenanters have so far got it right. The state should confess Christ is King.

3. The Christian Idea of the State (University Series, Historical Studies) by Herman Dooyeweerd (Author)

As a big fan of Kuyper I have until this book struggled with Dooyeweerd. I wanted a dummies guide as I found the philosophy beyond me. But here Dooyeweerd  is at last understandable. He expands the concept of sphere sovereignty to show that the humanistic view of the state is a return to the old pagan view of pre-Christian cultures, the state is the controlling reality and point of integration. Dooyeweerd  shows that the proper antithesis is creation, fall, redemption, God's covenant purposes integrate the true world and life view and so should inform our politics and critique of the state. Rushdoony's introduction is helpful too bringing a 1930s lecture more up to date.


4. A History 0f the Work of God in COCIN/RCc Gwoza 1949-1999

Published in 2000 and compiled by authors I have known since they were children. Sad to say how Gwoza has changed since this was written due to the murderous Boko Haram which declared its caliphate based at Gwoza. 
   As is common with much Nigerian history significant parts are not written. I worked in this area 1973-74. I also met Stanhope White, DO in Gwoza in the colonial era. In that time the hill people were animists living in the hills to escape the Kanuri slave raiders before Pax Britannica. Due to tribal fighting in the hills the area was closed to expatriate missionaries until Dr Chandler founded the hospital in Gwoza at the invitation of the Muslim chief. When we were there at Limankara COCIN missionaries were church planting in the hills and on the plains. Maryamu Gula (Kathleen Lillie before her marriage) was our nearest expatriate Christian neighbour and her husband Daniel was yet to be trained for ordination. The area was peaceful. 
   Since then tremendous church growth as described here. I knew many of the Christians named. Some are now in the church triumphant. Others in the church militant have had to flee the Islamists of Boko Haram. Many took to the hills then fled to IDP camps away from the area. We pray for the suffering church and for the overthrow of this satanic manifestation of the religion of the false prophet.

5. Daughters of the Millennium by Val Inchley

The author and my wife trained together in missions in Ealing in 1969-70. As she received the OBE for a lifetime in missionary work in Nepal, she is in a different class, lifetime missionary service. She intersperses her own biography with the life of a contemporary woman in rural Nepal, - unwanted, illiterate, multiple pregnancies and infant mortality. Te Hindu rituals of the year are described in detail and real understanding of Nepalese culture is shown as well as the family being introduced to Christian faith.

6. Uzuakoli Miracle: A True Story of Bush Babies in Nigeria by Alan Cox

The story of Methodist mission in Igboland saving motherless babies. As in the area where we worked there was terrible infant mortality due to lack of hygiene and medical care as well as the beliefs of traditional religion and its juju. Roberts, a Methodist missionary minister, cousin of Margaret Thatcher, together with his former SIM wife, rescued babies orphaned or abandoned and started a home for them. The church moved the missionaries but the home continued and miraculously the work survived through the Biafran war though all the buildings were destroyed.

7. The Westminster Assembly: A Guide to Basic Bibliography by J. Ligon Duncan (Author), David W. Hall  (Author)

Published in 1994 after the 350th anniversary of the Westminster Assembly,  there are now other resources to include but this is a valuable short primer for understanding History, context, content and importance of the Westminster standard, the secondary standards of Presbyterian churches.  Prices too will have changed and there will be more on line resources. 


8. A Man for All Ministries: Richard Baxter 1615-1691 (St Antholin's Lectureship Charity Lecture ) by J I Packer

Packer did his doctorate on Baxter so is eminently qualified to give this tercentenary lecture commemorating the death of Baxter. His irenic disposition is well described as is his struggle with a fiery disposition. He worked and suffered for Christ. Baxter lived in Acton after the Great Ejection and has been criticised for leaving his young wife there when he sought safety elsewhere during the plague. But there is no mention of this in what is a brief lecture which warms one to the memory of a great puritan.


9. Oliver Cromwell - a Vindication by John Broome (Author)

 A 1964 lecture in Winchester which does what the title says, vindicates Cromwell as a sincere and godly Christian and as a soldier who followed the rules of siege warfare of his day. His behaviour at Drogheda was according to contemporary ways of war.

10. The scriptures, sex and satisfaction by Harry H McGee (Author)

A short but very helpful treatment on love and sexual relations in marriage. Surprisingly explicit and practical.

11. Difficulties about Baptism by Douglas Bannerman

Written in Scotland in 1898 it is helpful in addressing the questions of the mode and subjects of baptism. But it reflects a culture where baptists were in the minority, not the situation in England today where it is the evangelical default position. Helpful to argue that the arguments for baptising covenant children are not from proof texts but cumulative biblical and theological reasoning.

12. Baptism: Meaning, Mode and Subjects by Michael Kimmitt

A concise modern response to the regarding of baptism as a primary matter in Christian faith. it is a secondary issue and the modern default evangelical view is historically a minority view. Published in 1997 for a Northern Irish Reformed church.

13. On My Way To Heaven byMark Ashton

Given six to nine months to live he did survive fifteen months after his cancer diagnosis. But the hope in this book is not that the doctors may be wrong but that a terminal diagnosis is not the end of the world. In Christ and by faith in his resurrection there is a sure and certain hope. I found this book utterly realistic as t the difference three faith in Christ should make. Te suffering is no less but it is borne with realistic fortitude and thankfulness. Chemo was refused. Eternal life anticipated. A great testimony which should be a help to those facing death and their families too.

14. 365 Days with Calvin: A Unique Collection of 365 Readings from the Writings of John Calvin, Selected and Edited by Joel R Beeke (356 Days with) by Joel R. Beeke (Author)

After a brief biographical introduction to Calvin we have the daily readings. Calvin is a favourite author but this could have been done better. We read it for family devotions. First problem, the use of the KJV. Most of us have moved on many years ago. Secondly there is no indication as to the sources of the daily quotations, which works, which editions. It seems we have quotes from older translations of Calvin and this does not help the understanding of modern people unused to the English of the 19th century.

15. Reading the Bible by Geoffrey Thomas (Author)

A concise practical encouragement to systematic and regular reading of scripture. Somewhat surprisingly we are not told from which version the quotations come . Though this was published first in 1980 it seems to be the KJV. Which version to use is not the author's concern. Why you should read it, how to cultivate a regular habit, and proper attitude to the scripture are the important matters. A helpful schedule for regular reading is given. similar to McCheyne's.

16. Like The Roman: The Life of Enoch Powell by Simon Heffer  (Author)

I reviewed this in August but I had not then quite finished it and it was due back in the library. Now borrowed again and finished, I can give you a little more in my review. Simply the best political biography I have read - and the longest. The best prime minister we never had. Professor at 25, private soldier to brigadier in WW2, politician who rose to cabinet rank but was sacked by Heath who like many others thought him a racist. He became out of office more popular than any other politician for he dared today what most people thought about the dangers of immigration. He was simply too principled to get to the top of the greasy pole. He was all about principle not political compromise. He probably won an election for Heath who even on Powell's death could not find a good word about him. A towering intellect and keen fox hunter. An atheist turned Anglican and biblical textual critic. We shall not see his like again. This book reads like a thriller with many twists in the plot.And there are surprises. Why was this arch-conservative socially liberal over capital punishment and homosexuality? The latter years are very different out of the Conservatives and sitting as an Ulster unionist MP. He was at first something of a male chauvinist in his attitude to Thatcher but she followed his monetarist policies and they developed a mutual respect and admiration.

17.The Literary Impact of the Authorised Version by C. S. Lewis (Author)

Rather technical from Lewis in 1950. He does not deal as many do with the phrases from the Bible that have become part of the language. They come in the main from Tyndale anyway. He distinguishes the literary impact of the AV as distinct from that of the Bible. He does not seem to see a great impact for the Bible has not been and will not be read as mere literature but as a sacred text for believers. Unbelievers are not interested in it for literary merit.

18.Teach me your way, O Lord! by Iskander Jadeed

Written in response to a Muslim's contention that Scriptures revealed before the Koran have been abrogated. Emphasises redemption in Christ.

19. Test everything, Hold on to the good by Iskander Jadeed

This is a Christian answer to a message from a Muslim. It is available in Arabic so that may have been the original. I do not know why the message to which the author is responding has been omitted. He considers points raised, the cross in Gospel and Koran, who started wars, sin and why it is not so important to the Muslim, Buddha and Christ, Christ Son of God. The author shows good grasp of Christian Scripture and truth as weals being conversant with Koran and Hadith. His is a courteous apologetic. A booklet to give to a Muslim.

20. How do we pray? by Iskander Jadeed

Translated from Arabic I had thought this book might draw out the differences between Muslim and Christian prayers. It is written to answer two questions. What is Prayer/ What is the number of prayers rejoined daily and at what times? Muslim questions one might think but the answers given as straightforward Christian teaching for a new Christian. It is sound, practical teaching.

21. How can we know the truth of the gospel? by Iskander Jadeed

Answering questions from a Muslim. How can you prove the Fatherhood of God to Christ? Have the Torah and New Testament been changed? Do you have any evidence that Christ died on the cross? Is not four gospels evidence of the NT being changed? Answered factually and graciously.

22 A testimony to the truth of the holy writings by Sultan Muhammad Khan

The century old testimony of an Afghan Muslim scalar in India who loved to debate with Christians. This led him to study the Bible as well as Hindu scriptures. His conclusion was that Islam gave no guarantee of salvation for it is a religion f works. It offers no sure salvation.He came to see God's grace is offered to sinners in Christ.

23 Why is it difficult for a Muslim to become a Christian - Abd-Ul-Masih

This is a most helpful booklet. It starts with well known theological problems but shows the big issues area different concept f God, the family and clan solidarity and the failure of the church to welcome new believers.

24 Trinity and Unity- Pope Shenuda III

As well as the common clarification of Muslim misunderstandings on the Trinity there is a helpful section why the use of the word Son may have nothing to do with sexual generation.But the book's conclusion is, 'There is no difference between one person of the Trinity and the other'. My understanding is that though they are coequal ontological, economically their work differs.
A lecture given at the cathedral of Mark in Cairo.

25 What do you think about Christ?  - Abd-Ul-Masih

For Muslims asking and answering searching questions about Christ. Son of God does not appear until well into the discourse which is wise. He starts with son of may pointing out the uniqueness of calling a man after his mother not a human father.

26 God is one in the Holy Trinity - Zachariah Butrus

The author is described as Archpriest, writing in Arabic. He starts with a brief account of the unity of God in trinity as witnessed by Scripture. He then gives evidence for persons of the Trinity in the Quran. He rejects the counterfeit trinity in the Quran as an easy Christian heresy already condemned before the rise of Islam. The gospel of grace is proclaimed.

27 Just Grace: (the booklet for Evangelism Explosion) by Vic Jackopson (Author)

Mine was published 1980. An evangelistic booklet. Grace is the acronym for chapter headings, Good news for you, Response to God, Assurance of salvation, commitment to Christ, equipped for growth.Well illustrated.

28. Beliefs and Practices of Christians - William M Miller

A veteran missionary to Iran writes a letter to a Muslim friend explains the Christian faith. 

29. Flaming Prophet - J Christy Wilson

An informative biography of the man known as The Apostle to Islam. Many missionary travels in Arabia, ministry in Egypt, promoting missions to Muslims world wide and finally professor at Princeton. Many remarkable stories including romance, wit and humour.

30 In search of Assurance - K K Alavi

The author was the son of a mullah in Kerala when he heard Christian preaching and was captivated by the booklet he bought from them. It led to a beating from his father. Further contact with Christians led to him being chained up by his family. Escaping he found refuge with Christians and was baptised. He had found Jesus offered forgiveness and assurance and that the Koran honoured Isa more than the Prophet.

The changing world (213) Jun 1998

Jun 1st Chinese takeaway for Katy's birthday.
2nd      To North Finchley for two hour interview over coffee. Very positive. Expect to be offered the job which is n a health centre. Muslim Tanzanian interviewer.
3rd       Housegroup at ours. Took missionary Marilyn back to Acton.
4th         Session mainly on LD who thinks he has been vindicated. We pray he is repentant.
5th         Took Elliott on the Cromwell trail. First visited the health centre where I hope to work. Cromwell museum Huntingdon then Cromwell's house Ely and the cathedral. In the house there was a sign on a low beam, Mind Your Head. I suggested the addition od -'especially if your name is Charles or Stuary'. Thank you party for Costons and Ravenor wards.
6th         Talked to LD at session. He seemed angry with me, probably because I am not convinced by his account. Is he repentant?
7th          Led service on Pentecost a week after the date! Evening spoke on the canon of Scripture.
8th          WE Bekta from Kosovo, Brentside School.
9th          Offered Torrington Park job as £30K.
10th         The boss offered to match the salary offered from July but he wanted me to do more Saturdays. Rachel home for an interview at West Middlesex hospital. Saw World Cup start on TV at work, Brazil 2 Scotland 1. Housegroup at Margery's.
11th          Job offer increased to £32K and then topped by the boss. In a dilemma as to what to do. David Barnes advised to take the new job which had no weekend work as that is best for a Christian. I am glad I followed his advice.
12th         Told the boss my decision. Rachel unhappy not to get the hospital job, her third unsuccessful application and only one to go.
13th         Rain so barbecue under conservatory roof. Pleased with Nigeria 3 Spain 2.
14th         Tristram and Grandad to lunch.
15th          Wet. England 2 Tunisia 0. Ordered second phone line.
16th          At wok watched Scotland 1 Norway 1.
17th          Housegroup here. Mr O lost £300 cash in a burglary.
18th          Rachel at Mount Vernon interview.
19th          Nigeria 1 Bulgaria 0 seen at work. David to his friend Richard in Nottingham.
20th          Took Rob to Canterbury and picked up Rachel and luggage.
21st           Presided at communion. Auction of pledges for building fund and I paid for a will. Mover church to 6"30 pm for World Cup fixtures like Iran 2 USA 1.
22nd          Muslim girl from Dormers Wells WE is quietly efficient. Oldfield Ofsted report meeting. The inspector did not like my criticism of her grammar.So I missed England 1 Romania 2.
23rd           At church the choir of Memphis Independent Presbyterian Church. All white though. Excellent varied repertoire.
24th            To Deb's college for her exhibition. David says hers is the best on show and her tutor says she is the best in her year.
25th             Assistant Ingrid who fell over goods on the floor at work has returned saying she will not pursue an insurance claim. Conservative group will call on the director of SS to resign after adversity government inspection report.
26th             Gazette calls for SS director and Cllr Brookes, SS chair, to resign. Katy upset Central Middlesex told her operation in two days not the week after. England 2 Columbia 1.
27th             Katy at recorder exams. Evan Horton visiting and David took him to Heathrow. Rachel back from Leapers rejoicing she has the Mount Vernon job.
28th             David led in the morning. I picked up grandad so he could join us for pot luck farewell for Babcocks. I spoke on hermeneutics ain the evening. Rachel and Rob took grandad back.
29th              Katy had hysterectomy at Central Middlesex . I visited and found her cold, hungry and thirsty.
30th              After work took Davis to see Katy who is some better and now allowed water. To Babcock's for England 2 Argentina 2. Great match. Lost on penalties and because Beckham sent off.