Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Coming Events
September 11: Chilliwack, BC, Softball Tournament
Click here for details!
September 18: Calgary, Alberta, 2nd Annual Softball Tournament
Click here for details!
September 25: Schererville, IN, Softball Tournament (Rohrman Park)
Join us for our first annual softball tournament! We are raising funds for agricultural projects in Latin America. For team registration, pledge forms and more information, please email:
Laura Zandstra
OR
Dan Bruinsma
Click here for more details.
Fall Dinner Tour with keynote speaker Carlos Coffin from Nicaragua
Details in local bulletins and posters.
October 15, Surrey, BC
October 16, Chilliwack, BC
October 22, Jordan Station, Ontario (date changed)
Ontario 23, Dundas, Ontario (date changed)
Grand Rapids, Michigan (details soon)
Pompton Plains, NJ (details soon)
London, Ontario (details soon)
Congratulations!
Congratulations to students at Rehoboth Christian School in Copetown, Ontario together with students from Oxford Reformed Christian School and Jordan Christian school who participated in a recent 24 hour fast and raised over $12,000. The funds are used to pay for two teachers at John Calvin Christian School in Colombia.
After 24 hours with no food, the students can't wait to eat (above)
Jordanna Laman, Student Council President, Sarah Vlietstra, student council teacher liasson, and Dick Naves, teacher and event organizer receive a plaque from Rick Postma of Word & Deed in recognition of the funds raised during ther 2009 24 hour fast.
One of the teachers at John Calvin in the a newly constructed classroom
A Second Teacher at John Calvin in another recently built classroom
One of the teachers at John Calvin in the a newly constructed classroom
A Second Teacher at John Calvin in another recently built classroom
Monday, January 25, 2010
Guts and Glory
Softball Tournament: by Harry Kooistra
The first Annual Word & Deed Softball Tournament of West Michigan took place on September 19, 2009, at the Christian Reformed Recreation Grounds in Grand Rapids, MI. The event opened at 8:00 a.m. when the first players straggled in and got underway at 8:30 a.m. with the first three opening games.
The weather was perfect: we were blessed with abundant sunshine and a cooling breeze. The contests were fierce but the spirit was jovial as the morning progressed. The little ones were kept busy on the inflatable amusement centers under the supervision of some very patient volunteers. Hot dogs and homemade sloppy joes were served up by another set of very experienced volunteers.
After lunch it became obvious who the leading teams were and the contest became more focused. Apparently, lunch did not slow the players down. In the semi-finals, Pastor VanMaanen of the Little Farms OPC team demonstrated his talents. Besides preaching, he ably demonstrated a “pitch” of a different kind – although slow, it was well-aimed (as usual), but fell a little short of the mark. The co-ed division finals went to VanKempen Electric vs. the Dutton Diggers. The VanKempen leader cut quite a figure in his natty blue and grey uniform, a little different than his board meeting attire. He had the distinction of being the oldest player, but by no means the slowest. VanKempen Electric won in hard-fought contest.
M&S Siding covered itself with glory by winning the men’s division and was considered the tournament champion. Harvest OPC finished second but deserves an award for heart, as they lost by the slimmest of margins even though several of their players were limping around the bases by the end of the final game.
Judging from the moans and groans toward the end of the day and certainly on the Sabbath morning following, the more seasoned players had underestimated the ravages that years take on the body. Maybe next year we can get the analgesic manufacturers to sponsor a team or two. Several casualties should be mentioned: Al Moss suffered a twisted ankle and had to be carried off the field after being deemed unfit for further combat. Roelie Byker’s car suffered a major dent to the driver’s side door due to a spectacular but somewhat misplaced line drive. And the third incident nearly took out a player who was beaned in the noggin by a base umpire’s totally misguided throw. Talk of possible lawsuits stemming from this incident was quickly squashed due to the inaccessibility of intimidated witnesses. There was a doctor and a lawyer present that day and both reported that business was brisk.
90 players participated, at least that many more formed the cheering section, and all had a very good time (with the exception of the injured). The camaraderie, fellowship and sportsmanship displayed by the players from area churches were gratifying to see. All agreed that this is an excellent way to raise funds to support a worthwhile cause.
A total of $11,500 was raised for agricultural projects in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Our heartfelt thanks is extended to all the players, supporters and sponsors. Thank you for your generosity and we look forward to seeing you next year, the Lord willing.
Harry Kooistra is a member of the Word & Deed USA board and attends Trinity United Reformed Church in Caledonia, Michigan.
The first Annual Word & Deed Softball Tournament of West Michigan took place on September 19, 2009, at the Christian Reformed Recreation Grounds in Grand Rapids, MI. The event opened at 8:00 a.m. when the first players straggled in and got underway at 8:30 a.m. with the first three opening games.
The weather was perfect: we were blessed with abundant sunshine and a cooling breeze. The contests were fierce but the spirit was jovial as the morning progressed. The little ones were kept busy on the inflatable amusement centers under the supervision of some very patient volunteers. Hot dogs and homemade sloppy joes were served up by another set of very experienced volunteers.
After lunch it became obvious who the leading teams were and the contest became more focused. Apparently, lunch did not slow the players down. In the semi-finals, Pastor VanMaanen of the Little Farms OPC team demonstrated his talents. Besides preaching, he ably demonstrated a “pitch” of a different kind – although slow, it was well-aimed (as usual), but fell a little short of the mark. The co-ed division finals went to VanKempen Electric vs. the Dutton Diggers. The VanKempen leader cut quite a figure in his natty blue and grey uniform, a little different than his board meeting attire. He had the distinction of being the oldest player, but by no means the slowest. VanKempen Electric won in hard-fought contest.
M&S Siding covered itself with glory by winning the men’s division and was considered the tournament champion. Harvest OPC finished second but deserves an award for heart, as they lost by the slimmest of margins even though several of their players were limping around the bases by the end of the final game.
Judging from the moans and groans toward the end of the day and certainly on the Sabbath morning following, the more seasoned players had underestimated the ravages that years take on the body. Maybe next year we can get the analgesic manufacturers to sponsor a team or two. Several casualties should be mentioned: Al Moss suffered a twisted ankle and had to be carried off the field after being deemed unfit for further combat. Roelie Byker’s car suffered a major dent to the driver’s side door due to a spectacular but somewhat misplaced line drive. And the third incident nearly took out a player who was beaned in the noggin by a base umpire’s totally misguided throw. Talk of possible lawsuits stemming from this incident was quickly squashed due to the inaccessibility of intimidated witnesses. There was a doctor and a lawyer present that day and both reported that business was brisk.
90 players participated, at least that many more formed the cheering section, and all had a very good time (with the exception of the injured). The camaraderie, fellowship and sportsmanship displayed by the players from area churches were gratifying to see. All agreed that this is an excellent way to raise funds to support a worthwhile cause.
A total of $11,500 was raised for agricultural projects in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Our heartfelt thanks is extended to all the players, supporters and sponsors. Thank you for your generosity and we look forward to seeing you next year, the Lord willing.
Harry Kooistra is a member of the Word & Deed USA board and attends Trinity United Reformed Church in Caledonia, Michigan.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
First Annual Grand Rapids Softball Tournament
Despite a twisted ankle, one dented car door due to an errant line-drive and one player who was "beaned in the noggin by a totally misguided throw from an unidentified base umpire", the Grand Rapids tournament was a big success. Over $11,500 was raised for agricultural projects in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
The camaraderie, fellowship and sportsmanship displayed by the players from various area churches was gratifying to see. All agreed that this is an excellent way to raise funds to support a worthwhile cause.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Making a World of Difference
Word & Deed Ministries has been the thankful beneficiary of a great deal of hard work put in by volunteers and generous support provided by donors across North America. Highlighted here are three of the largest events.
24-Hour Hunger Awareness Campaign – Rehoboth Christian School, Copetown, Ontario
Ninety-two students from Rehoboth Christian School, Oxford Reformed Christian School and Jordan Christian School (all in southwestern Ontario) took part in a 24-hour hunger awareness campaign to raise funds for John Calvin Christian School in Barranquilla, Colombia. Just under $15,000 was raised to pay for the salaries of two of the school’s teachers!
Word & Deed extends a hearty thank you to all the participating students, Rehoboth student council for organizing the activities, the team of chaperones who sacrificed a lot of sleep and to all the generous donors. Two teachers also played a pivotal role – Mr. Dick Naves as event organizer, and Mrs. Sarah Vlietstra. Thanks very much both of you!
Niagara Bike-a-thon – Wheels in Motion for Nakekela!
With over 390 riders and numerous volunteers, the Niagara bike-a-thon was once again a huge success. The orange t-shirts brought lots of attention, questions and even a few donations from tourists. An amazing total of $50,000 was raised for the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Hospice in South Africa. Word & Deed is very grateful for the team of volunteers (very ably led by Richard Brouwer and Mark Fintelman), bikers, and sponsors.
See the website for pictures and Youtube.com for a video of the event!
Arthur & Sonja Miskin respond to the video from South Africa …
It gladdens our hearts to see so many people, both young and old, who are so committed the Lord's cause among the poor and needy of Africa. Great to see the Brouwer – Fintelman- Vrugteveen combo in action again. May the Lord bless all those who organized, partook and who, especially, contibuted so handsomely to the bike-a-thon. Thanks Rick too for all of your efforts on behalf of Nakekela. Arthur and Sonja Miskin. Prov.19:17
Softball Tournament, Southern Alberta – Home Run!
With a goal of exceeding $17,800 (the amount raised in 2008 in Calgary), organizers for this year’s tournament in Lethbridge, Alberta, were almost overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response. Nineteen teams signed up and $31,000 was raised for the John Calvin Christian School building in Colombia. This significant contribution was a major factor in meeting the goal of raising $346,000 so that phase one of the project could proceed on schedule in July.
A warm thank you goes to event organizers Gerda Grisnich, Lydia Vandenburg and Henrietta Zieng, as well as the team captains, players, volunteers, and the many sponsors. See you next year!
24-Hour Hunger Awareness Campaign – Rehoboth Christian School, Copetown, Ontario
Ninety-two students from Rehoboth Christian School, Oxford Reformed Christian School and Jordan Christian School (all in southwestern Ontario) took part in a 24-hour hunger awareness campaign to raise funds for John Calvin Christian School in Barranquilla, Colombia. Just under $15,000 was raised to pay for the salaries of two of the school’s teachers!
Word & Deed extends a hearty thank you to all the participating students, Rehoboth student council for organizing the activities, the team of chaperones who sacrificed a lot of sleep and to all the generous donors. Two teachers also played a pivotal role – Mr. Dick Naves as event organizer, and Mrs. Sarah Vlietstra. Thanks very much both of you!Niagara Bike-a-thon – Wheels in Motion for Nakekela!
With over 390 riders and numerous volunteers, the Niagara bike-a-thon was once again a huge success. The orange t-shirts brought lots of attention, questions and even a few donations from tourists. An amazing total of $50,000 was raised for the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Hospice in South Africa. Word & Deed is very grateful for the team of volunteers (very ably led by Richard Brouwer and Mark Fintelman), bikers, and sponsors.See the website for pictures and Youtube.com for a video of the event!
Arthur & Sonja Miskin respond to the video from South Africa …It gladdens our hearts to see so many people, both young and old, who are so committed the Lord's cause among the poor and needy of Africa. Great to see the Brouwer – Fintelman- Vrugteveen combo in action again. May the Lord bless all those who organized, partook and who, especially, contibuted so handsomely to the bike-a-thon. Thanks Rick too for all of your efforts on behalf of Nakekela. Arthur and Sonja Miskin. Prov.19:17
Softball Tournament, Southern Alberta – Home Run!
With a goal of exceeding $17,800 (the amount raised in 2008 in Calgary), organizers for this year’s tournament in Lethbridge, Alberta, were almost overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response. Nineteen teams signed up and $31,000 was raised for the John Calvin Christian School building in Colombia. This significant contribution was a major factor in meeting the goal of raising $346,000 so that phase one of the project could proceed on schedule in July.
A warm thank you goes to event organizers Gerda Grisnich, Lydia Vandenburg and Henrietta Zieng, as well as the team captains, players, volunteers, and the many sponsors. See you next year!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Upcoming Events
Softball tournament: September 19,2009: Christian Reformed Recreation Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Click here for details.
The Fall Dinner Tour: Click here for details.
Webpage for recent Alberta softball tournament
Webpage for recent Bike-a-thon
Third Annual Niagara Bike-a-thon
Saturday, June 6th, 2009 at 10 am in Fort Erie, Ontario. Proceeds for the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Hospice in South Africa.
Click here for more details.
Help us break last year's record of 323 riders and over $51,000 CDN raised. A great way to spend the day with the family and/or friends! The two course options are the same this year. The longer course (55 KM) is from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake along the Niagara Parkway Trail. Improved transportation options are available this year. The cost remains the same at a minimum of $50 per person or $100 per family. Further details and directions will be available as we come closer to the date.
Click here for map and look for Mather Circle just below the Peace Bridge
Click here for more details.
Click here for map and look for Mather Circle just below the Peace Bridge
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