“For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:11-12)
We are living during one of the largest expansions of the Christian Church in its 21-century history. This growth is emerging predominantly out of the Southern Hemisphere. To promote further growth and to encourage the training of lay people, pastors, and missionaries, Third Church supports students at Hope College, an RCA-affiliated college, and Western Theological Seminary, one of two RCA seminaries. By participating in mission trips, many members of the church have shared in ministry with our missionaries and church partners through the Reformed Church in America.
Our Mission Support
This Reformed Church has been a strong supporter of the Reformed Church in America global mission program.
Jaime Amaro, Oaxaca, Mexico
Martha Amaro, Oaxaca, Mexico
Martha and Jaime Amaro became Christians when they heard the gospel from a missionary. Now doing mission work themselves, the Amaros help the Presbyterian Church in Mexico by providing training workshops for the Children and Worship program. They have a vision to see the Children and Worship program in use throughout Mexico within three years. The Amaros also do translating work; they have been translating "Growing in the Faith" discipleship materials into Spanish, which are used to train church leaders. The Amaros have two children, Jaime Jr. and Alex.
Linn Gann, India
The Church of South India is comprised of more than 4 million members, most of whom are Dalits (people previously referred to as the "untouchables"). As a mission consultant, Linn Gann build bridges between the Church of South India, RCA churches, businesses, and individuals to provide programs and services that quip and empower the Dalits, many of whom are unemployed or living below the poverty level. Linn focuses on developing programs in education, micro-enterprise, skills training and job creation, and promoting a culture of mutual respect. Linn has been working in India since 2004. She previously served in Bosnia and Croatia, training refugees in micro-enterprise projects.
Wayne and Miho Jansen, Japan
Tokyo Union Theological Seminary (TUTS) trains pastors for congregations of the United Church of Japan (Kyodan). As a homeroom teacher for the freshman class, Wayne Jansen gets to know newcomers to the seminary and provides pastoral care for them through their time at TUTS. He also works with the seminary's Clinical Pastoral Education program. Miho Jansen has a degree in linguistics and has taught English in Japan and Japanese at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Miho teaches English part-time at a Christian high school, helps the faculty and staff translate articles and documents, and often entertains students and church members at home. Miho and Wayne met at a worship service at Yokohama Union Church in 1986. They have twin sons, Manato Thomas and Megumu David.
Rowland, Jr. and Jane Van Es, Kenya
St. Paul's University in Limuru, Kenya, is an international and ecumenical institution that prepares men and women for ministry in the Chrisitan church and in society. Founded in 1903 as a divinity school, St. Paul's recently expanded to become a Christian university. In addition to doing theological studies, students can now earn a bachelor's degree in business administration. Rowland Van Ed Jr., who has training in economics and theology, teaches in both departments. Jane Van Es teaches sociology and psychology at the bachelor's level and assists with the master's-level program in pastoral care and HIV/AIDS. Rowland and Jane served previously in Sierra Leone, Malawi, and the Gambia. They have two daughters, Jenna and Michelle.
Andy and Emma Nakajima and Ministiry with the Japanese People in Southwest Michigan
Fumihito Andy Nakajima was raised in Japan by a Buddhist family. He was led to Christ by a Christian English teacher at his high school. When he was a senior at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan, Andy and other Japanese students at the seminary caught a vision for reaching out to Japanese people living in western Michigan. They formed a committee, joined by retired RCA missionaries, and Japanese Christians living in the area. They held their first worship service in November 1992. The Ministry with Japanese-Speaking People now organizes worship services, Bible studies, language classes and tutoring, and pastor care in the western Michigan cities of Holland, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, and Kalmazoo. Andy and his wife, Emma, have two daughters, Leia and Noelle.
Malawi Chilren's Feeding Program: Church of Central Africa, Presbyterian Nkhoma Synod The church has had an interest in orphan ministry in Africa because of a number of members of the congregation who have participated in personal mission experiences in Africa. In the past year, the Reformed Church in America has developed a partnership with the Malawi Children's Feeding Program which is particularly responding to the number of children without parents because of HIV/AIDS. We are hoping to learn more about this ministry in the coming year as we develop this new partnership for our church.
Ministry in Our Local Community
Buen Pastor: The church provides housing at no cost to Buen Pastor, a migrant ministry for infants and children primarily during the summer months. Up to 65 children grace the rooms and halls on the lower level during the summer months so that while their parents are working in the fields, the chlildren have a safe and caring environment. Offices for Buen Pastor are also located in the lower level of the church.
Community Housing Partnership with Good Samaritan: The church owns two homes, one on 13th Street across from the church and we have recently purchased the Marilyn Brown home on 14th Street to help families that are homeless move to self sufficiency. Families are housed for up to six months and the church provides volunteer mentors as parents are given budgeting, employment, and homeownership skills through Good Samaritan.
Neighborhood Connections: Working collaboratively with Good Samaritan and other important faith partners in our neighborhood including Hope Church, First United Methodist, and St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church to develop a neighborhood board that can address the issues of residents in our neighborhood.
Support for Local Ministries: Recent cut backs by local, state, and federal government has led the church to recommit to local ministries such as Center for Women in Transition, Community Action House, Midtown Counseling Center, Young Life, CASA, Good Samaritan Ministries, and the CROP Walk.
Support for Ministries on a Regional or National Level: The church has also been a supporter of Words of Hope a world-wide Christian radio ministry, Bread for the World, Church World Service, Camp Geneva and Cran Hill, Hope College, and Western Theological Seminary.
Emergency Relief Kits for Church World Service
