The latest issue of De Wekker is entirely devoted to revival. The magazine features a number of new sections, including a children’s page.
Rev. N.C. Smits writes that revival begins from nothing. “That is to say: not from anything in this world, but from God.” We therefore need not fear anything. Prof. Dr J.W. Maris discusses what we mean by the word “revival” and where we see the distinction between revival and excitement. Jan Post writes further on about the importance of “humility, prayer and a sense of guilt” when it comes to revival.
We can also see on the Images page that it is God who brings life out of nothing. Here we discover how the landscape in Chernobyl is coming back to life. “Life is returning, not because we organise it, but because He gives it.”
Prof. Dr Fred van Lieburg looks back at revivals throughout history. Among other things, he explains why the events in Nijkerk in 1749 made the news both at home and abroad. In “Portraits”, four people from very different backgrounds share how their faith, or that of those around them, blossomed and how it changed their lives. Gerald Boers testifies: “Letting go for an unknown destination; that borders on naivety, but that is how the Spirit works.” Prof. Dr Wim van Vlastuin also writes about the power of the Holy Spirit.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is possible at every stage of life and is of vital importance. J.L. de Jong explores the question of whether it makes sense to visit a brother suffering from advanced dementia. What does Jesus teach us about this?
Reports show that the younger Generation Z is more open to religion than the previous generation. What conclusions can we draw from this – and what conclusions cannot (yet) be drawn? And what role do churches have in helping young people? Dr Ronelle Sonnenberg explores these questions.
Rev. A Dorst writes about the sense of community and conviviality at Christian conferences and festivals. Can we learn from this in our churches? Or is such a comparison not entirely fair?
Church news reports that the church council of the CGK in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel has decided to permanently close the preaching post in Naarden, God willing, on 12 July 2026. However, missionary work in the area will continue.
The church council of the CGK in Hoogeveen has decided to bring forward the date of the forthcoming General Synod. The opening of the first week of meetings is scheduled to take place, God willing, on 29 September (following the prayer meeting on Monday 28 September, God willing).
At its resumed spring meeting, the Amersfoort Classis decided to scale back its activities. Zeewolde has also announced its intention to join Rijnsburg and leave the Classis. The classis resolved to continue the meeting on 9 June.
De Wekker also includes reports from the West and South ‘classes-in-formation’ of the group of churches currently reorganising itself.
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De Wekker is the official national magazine of the Christian Reformed Churches, with articles on church, faith and the world.
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