Word & Deed: Fundraising

Coming Events

2010-04-21T15:12:00.015-04:00

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!

2010-04-21T14:55:00.006-04:00

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

Guts and Glory

2010-01-25T15:33:00.000-05:00

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.

First Annual Grand Rapids Softball Tournament

2009-10-18T13:11:00.000-04:00

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.

Making a World of Difference

2009-10-17T15:33:00.003-04:00

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!

Upcoming Events

2009-05-04T10:31:00.009-04:00

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

2009-05-04T09:12:00.000-04:00

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

Softball Tournaments

2009-05-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Softball tournaments are being planned for the following areas. Further details will be posted here soon.

June 20, 2009: Coalhurst Miner's Memorial Park, Coalhurst, Alberta
Please click here for contacts and sign-up information.

Click here for pictures of last year's tournament in Calgary, Alberta.

Grand Rapids, Michigan
Details will be available soon.

Lansing, Illinois
Details will be available soon.

Upcoming Choir Concerts

2009-03-06T09:23:00.002-05:00

Grand Rapids Michigan - Friday, April 24th, 8pm
The 130 voice Hosanna choir of Dundas, Ontario will present a concert of sacred music at the First united Methodist Church which is located at 227 East Fulton Street in downtown Grand Rapids.
The choir will be directed by Herman den Hollander and accompanied by organist John VanderLaan and pianist Joyce Postmus. The Heritage Voices Choir of Grand Rapids, directed by Rich TenElshof and accompanied by organist Ellis Mescke, will also take part in the evening.
Proceeds from the freewill offering will be for the John Calvin Christian School in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Please contact Rich TenElshof (616.791.9409) or Heidi Pronk (616.896.3160) for more details.

Click here for directions

Hamilton, Ontario - Friday, May 1, 8pm
Please join the Heritage Voices Choir of Grand Rapids as they present a concert of sacred music on Friday, May 1, 8pm at the Rehoboth United Reformed church, 77 Glancaster Rd, in Ancaster, ON. The choir is directed by Richard TenElshof and accompanied by Ellis Meshke on the organ. The 130 Voice Hosanna Choir of Dundas, ON, directed by Hermand den Hollander and accompanied by organist John vanderlaan and pianist Joyce Postmus. There will be a freewill offering. Proceeds of the concert will go to a Word & Deed Ministeries project - the expansion of John Calvin Christian School in Barranquilla, Colombia.
Please contact Herman den Hollander (905-628-1211) or Rick Postma @ Word & Deed (877-375-9673) or see www.hosanna-choir.org for more details.

Click here for directions

Third Annual Fall Fund Raising Dinner Tour

2008-09-24T14:26:00.002-04:00

Join us for the 3rd annual Word & Deed fall dinner tour!

Manuel Kamnkwani (above with wife, Karen, and children), Word & Deed Project Director in Malawi, will be the keynote speaker for our 2008 fall dinner fund-raising tour. Malawi is a country with 12 million people and an astonishing one million orphans. Many orphans have lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS. Word & Deed supports over 5,500 orphans in Malawi through various programs in partnership with the Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian (CCAP) a one million strong denomination. Mr. Kamnkwani will speak about the impact the orphan projects are having as well as a number of other projects, including a home for recovering prostitutes and a very special project developed in response to the CCAP’s request that we assist them in training leaders in their denomination (pastors and office bearers).

Above are Dr. Timothy Monsma (left), Dr. Van Velden (rear) and their students.

Thursday, October 9 - Copetown, Ontario (close to Dundas)

Rehoboth Christian School, 198 Inksetter Road, CopetownHeritage Christian School,2850
Doors open 5:30pm, dinner at 6pm

Saturday, October 11 - Jordan Station, Ontario
Heritage Christian School,2850 4th Ave, Jordan Station
Punch at 5pm, dinner 5:30pm

Friday, October 17 - Chilliwack, British Colombia

Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8500 Young Road, Chilliwack

Punch at 6:30pm, Dinner at 7pm

Tuesday, October 28, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Plymouth Christian School, 965 Plymouth Ave., Grand Rapids

Doors open 6pm, Dinner at 6:30pm

Friday, November 7, Pompton Plains, New Jersey

Christian Health Center, Wyckoff , NJ (see directions below)

Doors open, 6:30 pm, Dinner at 7pm

Directions to the Christian Heath Care Center (CHCC) - Route 208 to Cedar Hill Ave exit in Wyckoff. Make left and head west on Cedar Hill. If coming from 208 N go back over Rt. 208. Continue 1/3 mile (passing shopping center) dead end into Sicomac Ave. Make a right. CHCC is immediately on left; however, continue past this entrance and take the second left on Mountain Avenue. Go 1/4 mile, make a left. Go to top of the hill, turn left into main entrance parking lot.

Wednesday, November 12, London, Ontario

Ramada Inn (right off the 401)
817 Exeter Rd., London
Doors Open 6:30 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.

Please call to book your tickets

Canada - 877.375.9673

USA - 866.391.9673

Presentations by Manuel Kamnkhwani will also be made at:
Calgary United Reformed Church, AB - October 15 (7:30 pm)
Anaheim United Reformed Church, CA - October 19 (am)
Chino United Reformed Church, CA - October 19 (pm)
Escondido Presbyterian Church in America, CA - October 26 (am)
Escondido United Reformed Church, CA - October 26 (pm)
Chatham Free Reformed Church - November 1(7pm)

Greater Grand Rapids Auction Fund-Raiser

2008-09-02T15:22:00.015-04:00

If you live in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area, you are warmly invited to join us for our fifth annual auction.

It is being held on September 27 from 4pm to 8pm at Zion Christian School, Byron Center, Michigan.

Click here for the list of auction items available so far. Click the back arrow to return to this webpage once you have viewed the list.

You can place an absentee bid by identifying the article as well as your top bid in an email to Word & Deed Office

Proceeds from the auction will be for the Marantha Christian School in Nicaragua.

Project Description and More Pictures

Marantha School is operated by Marantha Church of the Assembly of Christian Churches (a Moravian denomination not to be confused with the Assemblies of God Churches) in Bilwi City, Port Cabezas, Nicaragua – an area with a predominately illiterate adult population. The school provides a basic secondary education from an integrated Christian perspective to 200 students with an evening program that ultimately affects another 300 students in part time studies. The school was operating with six partially built classrooms when it was struck by Hurricane Felix in September of 2007. This project will restore the six damaged classrooms and add two additional classrooms which were part of the original construction plan. The building is also being used as a Bible Institute to promote theological education (including courses from MINTS – Miami International Seminary) to pastors and Christian leaders in the area.

Below are several pictures of workmen as well as a one of the classrooms that needs to be repaired.

Calgary Baseball Tournament - June 21

2008-06-11T16:19:00.002-04:00

The Calgary Word & Deed ambassador team is organizing a baseball tournament ...

When: Satruday, June 21, from 10pm - 4pm, the Lord willing.
Where: Calgary Canadian Reformed Church
Goal: to raise $6,000 for the John Calvin School in Barranquilla, Colombia

Teams have been invited from as far south as Lethbridge and as far north as Edmonton. So far there are 6 - 8 teams.

It will be a family-friendly fun tournament with ages 9 and up participating. Each team must raise a minimum of $500 in pledges as an entry fee. We are planning to have a loonie/toonie BBQ and offer some games on the side to keep little ones busy. Some prizes will be offered for the individual who raises the most in pledges, for the most creative ball cap, and for the winning team.

We hope you can send a team! Please email publicrelations@wordanddeed.org in order to find out more details on how to register your team.

Niagara Bike-a-thon

2008-06-09T09:08:00.021-04:00

The weather was wonderful, the views gorgeous, the volunteers exceptional and the riders enthusiastic, energetic and .... successful! Our final count was 323 riders and a total of $51,000 raised for the Nakekela HIV/AIDS step-down clinic in South Africa.

In addition to the generous financial donations to the riders, numerous companies donated food for the barbecue, 3 bikes as prizes for those who raised the most money and mountains of water bottles - thanks to the Langendoens of Culligan Niagara Water Technologies Inc. (very much needed on a warm day!).

The Lord was gracious and there were no injuries - there were a few blown tires and a few people that had to take a rest before continuing on.

Riders came from far and wide. I'd like to make special mention of the school buses which traveled from Burgessville bringing an estimated 100 riders. Thanks Henk Vrugteveen, bus drivers and riders!

Above: The bike-a-thon organizing committee together with the Miskins, the winners of the bike prizes and Rick Postma of Word & Deed.

Facing the camera from the left are Richard Brouwer, one of the main organizers, Brian Bruinekool who cruised the parkway helping people who needed a hand and Dick Brouwer, Richard's dad, who picked up signs and made sure no garbage was left behind.

While volunteers registered the riders, the neural network in the background was embodied in none other than Mark Fintelman

Dirk Bruinsma drove this wonderful contraption from Brantford to Ft. Erie on Thursday and then road the 52 km bike-a-thon together with his wife Willie.

Volunteers providing Culligan supplied water to thirsty drivers were a welcome site to the rider.

Dirk Vrugteveen doing what he loves to do - cook up a storm.

Word got out and Dirk was soon taking orders from local restaurants :>)

What a team! Richard Brouwer - all motivation and energy - and Mark Fintelman - tracking all the details and making sure every "i" got dotted and "t" crossed ...

Rev. Miskin addressing the bike-a-thon participants.

May the Lord bless the Nakekela step-down clinic and her staff as they minister to the HIV/AIDS patients. We pray that many would be stabilized and that still more would come to know their Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

Bike-a-thon trip

2008-04-09T12:22:00.000-04:00

Bike-a-thon, Saturday June 7th, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
Join us for a bike trip along the beautiful Niagara Parkway Trail.
Help us break last year's record of 225 participants! A great way to spend the day with the family. All participants will be asked to meet at Mather Arch Park in Fort Erie (click on the link below). A minimum donation of $50 per person or $100 per family is requested.
Proceeds for the Nakekela HIV/AIDS Hospice in South Africa.

Click here for map and look for Mather Circle just below the Peace Bridge