Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 57
in the Book Store. The Board of Directors reports that sales have returned
earthquake level.
The Japan Presbytery reports that work on the building of the Covenanter
Church Center, which will house the Book Store, Meeting Center and an
apartment, hopefully will be completed this year, D.V. The congregations in Japan
are giving sacrificially to this endeavor. The North American Reformed
Presbyterian Church pledged to contribute $200,000 toward the projected
$450,000-500,000 expense to build the Covenanter Church Center. Since the
most recent projection from the Japan Presbytery as to the final cost of the project
is $500,000, the Board requested from Synod's Board of Trustees that $50,000
be granted to the Directors of the Covenanter Book Store from the Unrestricted
and Undesignated Funds.
The Board rejoices with the Japan Presbytery over the successful start of Kobe
Theological Hall. Presently there are Japanese men training primarily to be
licensed to preach. An agreement has been reached between RPTS and KTH
which should strengthen each institution. No doubt the Seminary Board will
report further on this development.
The Board is committed to guidance in appointments and nominal financial
support to Specialized Ministries personnel. Presently there are six fields being
served by ten adult RP "missionaries." Due to the nature of some of the fields
where some of these folks are serving they will not be named here, however,
prayer should be offered faithfully in their behalf throughout the denomination. A
team of young adults was in Scotland during June. Matt Filbert, a Seminary
student, developed this plan and oversaw its becoming a reality. Tom Gray, a
graduate of the RPTS this past May, is spending the summer in an internship
program in Japan.
The Board is seeking the LORD'S leading as to where He might have us begin a
new mission. To that end the Board requested $25,000 of Synod's Board of
Trustees from Unrestricted and Undesignated Funds. Old patterns of mission
work are not viable now so we do have several who are serving in what we classify
as Specialized Ministries. There are possibilities of church planting work in China;
Bangladesh and Eastern Europe. The Board is considering each of these fields at
various stages of interest.
A close relationshipstill exists between the Reformation Translation Fellowship
and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Many members of
Synod are members on the Board of the RTF. Pray as translation work continues
on significant Reformed material into the Chinese language through the efforts of
Dr. Charles Chao, his son and RTF members as well.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Since the terms of Sandra Johns and Bob Mann expire at this meeting of Synod
their positions be filled by the Synod. The names of Dennis Olson and Paul