EVANGELIST FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 41, 12 November 1926, Page 13

EVANGELIST FROM SOUTH AFRICA

MR. VAN EYK WELCOMED. The Vivian Street Pentecostal Church was the scene of an enthusiastic welcome to Mr. van Eyk," the Dutch evangelist, on Tuesday evening. Mr. van Eyk, who is accompanied by Mr.. Buchanan, of Melbourne, came here from South Africa, calling nt Australia en route. Messrs. H. Roberts, senr;, E. E. Pennington, G. Clark, and other gentlemen spoke behalf of the' various sections of the Wellington church. ’’ •Mr. van Eyk, who represents one of the largest 'Pentecostal assemblies in the world, comprising 175 assemblies of a membership of about 60,000, including 25.060 coloured people, said that he was glad to come amongst those who had received the same spirit as tho amongst whom he laboured in South Africa. God liaJ done a mighty work (here, and it was an inspiration to see the dark-coloured people with tears streaming down their cheeks, praising and worshipping God. He stood before the people of Wellington .as one of the greatest modern miracles that had ever taken place—a man of the wilds wnom God had graciously saved. He wanted to bring a real note of cheer and hope to the hearts of the men and women of Wellington. Some twenty-five years ago perhaps some of those present had gone to South Africa to shoot Boers; he had. come to New Zealand to shoot the people with the gospel guns, and he hoped there would be many casualties before he left. . Mr. van Eyk is not only a forceful preacher, but also a splendid singer. His singing of “Jesus is a Friend of Mine was a feature of the evening.