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We had spent about five years in Hills, when a call came from Bellflower, by means of the shortest telegram I ever received. I did not even know I was on trio when the depot agent called, "I have a telegram for you from Bellflower, Cali. and it reads, 'You are called.'"
And I soon was convinced, that although I feared to go to Bellflower, because of the difficult problems that existed, the church had split in the past and the group that remained was divided itself. I was convinced the telegram was correct, "I was called" by God to go to Bellflower and God saw fit to use us there from April 1935 to Oct. 1946. For us they were very busy and pleasant years, and we might have wished to remain there, but God had different plans, and we were directed to move to Holland, Mich to serve the Maple Ave. Chr. Ref. Church.
[Vertical text in left margin]: while in Bellflower it was my privilege to help bring brother Frank de Jong to our state as H.M.
"During those years I was permitted to serve several years on the Board of Home Missions, and for a number of years was chairman of the Executive Comm. for Home missions.
For a number of years I served on the Back to God Hour board, and am presently serving my 3rd or 4th term on the Calvin College & Seminary Board of Trustees.
Six times I was elected to attend synod.
That is enough - God has been very good to us. Whatever blessings have come thru my ministry are the result of His grace. He used me and to Him belong all the credit and praise.
I think I can truthfully [say] that I have worked hard - most of my working day began at about 8:00 AM - and continued until late at night. However, my ministry has been so pleasant that I am sure I could never have been more happy in any other service.
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Which church we were to serve together from Oct. 1946 - April 15, 1951 when the Lord called my beloved wife, Kathryn to come home with Him. Then I was alone with my 5 children from April 15, 1951 to Dec. 16, 1952.
During that time I discovered another young woman who had a problem her own pastor could not solve. So I called on her and found a solution to her problem by marrying her, and that at the same time solved my problems and we have been happy ever since.
Together we continued in Maple Ave until 1954 when we were transferred to Edgerton, Minn. where I was installed in Sept. 1954 and remained there happy in our work until you called us to come over and help you in the spring of 1960 and I was installed here on June 26 of that year.
Page5 During three years I was permitted to serve several years on the Board of Home Missions, and for a number of years was chairman of the Executive Comm. for Home missions.
For a number of years I served on the Back to God Hour board, and am presently serving my 3rd or 4th term on the Calvin College & Seminary Board of Trustees.
Six times I was elected to attend synod.
That is enough - God has been very good to us. Whatever blessings have come thru my ministry are the result of His grace. He used me and to Him belong all the credit and praise.
I think I can truthfully [say] that I have worked hard - most of my working day began at about 8:00 AM - and continued until late at night. However, my ministry has been so pleasant that I am sure I could never have been more happy in any other service.
Historical Overview: Christian Reformed Church in California
Early Growth: The presence of the Christian Reformed Church in California had a slow start, with only six organized churches by 1935 (Redlands, Hanford, Los Angeles, Ripon, Bellflower, and Artesia).
Missionary Work: Initially, home missionaries were assigned to specific areas where families had settled. In 1935, the Classis sought to change this to allow missionaries to be assigned anywhere in the denomination to better facilitate community evangelism.
Expansion to Phoenix: In 1944, attention turned to Phoenix. To secure a 10-acre site for a future church, the narrator and Rev. De Jong personally borrowed $14,000 (equivalent to approximately $252,000 today) from individuals in Bellflower to purchase the land, holding the title until the Phoenix congregation could repay the loans.
Administrative Changes: Over the years, the region saw administrative shifts, including the formation of Classis Rocky Mountain in 1955, the division of Classis California into Central California and California South in 1962, and the organization of Classis Red Mesa in 1982 for Indian churches.
The Founding of Bellflower Christian School
The Calling: In 1935, the narrator received a call to the First Christian Reformed Church of Bellflower. Though initially hesitant, the narrator accepted with the express goal of establishing a Christian school.
The Motivation: The school was founded on two primary mandates:
Religious Dedication: To honor the teachings of Jesus Christ and Paul to "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness" and to do all things for the glory of God.
Educational Philosophy: A direct response against the influence of John Dewey’s progressive educational philosophy, which the narrator characterized as godless.
Growth and Perseverance: The first unit of four classrooms was dedicated in the fall of 1935. Despite the financial burden and the inherent difficulties mentioned in the narrative, the school grew, and by its 50th anniversary, it was recognized as one of the best private high schools in the country. The account credits this success to God’s continued blessings and financial provision.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:4)
Modern-Day Example: Just as the pioneers in this account had to trust God's provision when they didn't have the $14,000 to buy the church land, consider a modern-day family facing a sudden job loss. Instead of succumbing to worry about how they will pay their mortgage, they choose to "seek first the Kingdom of God" by continuing to tithe and serving in their local ministry, trusting that He will provide their daily needs just as He promised in Matthew 6:33.
