The Messenger May 19, 1972 by The Messenger

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A LIBERALISM - IS IT A THREAT? by Ben Friesen

In our circles such terms as Liberal. Modernist, Apostate, Ecumenist and Communist are being used with in creasing frequency. They are often used as labels with which we identify cer tain people. In my opinion such label ling leads to devisiveness within the brotherhood resulting in mistrust, lack of love and suspicion. There is also an other side effect that such labelling pro duces, namely, a holier-than-thou attitude. It is necessary for us to identify and categorize certain philosophies which are Satanic in character, and be warned of them, but when brethren begin to accuse brethren in this way, it is the same kind of Satanic bias that begins wars, revolutions and their kind. Usually the use of such loaded terms is a defense mechanism applied to people who do not see eye to eye on ethical or theological issues. I would like to zero in on only one of these terms in this article. There is a sense in which they are related, but when used interchangeably, the con fusion is increased. One need not be a communist to be a Liberal, yet they have mutual tenents. One could be an apostate and yet not be a Liberal. I think that we need to recognize that Liberalism is basically a theological structure and when we categorize a philosophy, as being Liberal we mean that such a person subscribes to Liberal theology, which eventually begins to tell on him in ethical life. Before identifying some of the basic beliefs of Liberalism, let me sound

them redemption means that Jesus one further warning. It is possible for as the founder of the Christian religion us as evangelicals to put human rea has a redeeming influence on man. son above God’s revelation. I notice There is no resurrection of Jesus that many of our churches are dropping the matter of head-covering very Christ. Christ is raised only above all fast. The rationale behind it is that conflict. Scripture injunction is for another I would therefore admonish that we age, and there is no real Biblical refrain from calling our brethren by principle there for us. I believe this is such terms because of what the word rationalization which does away with Liberal stands for. That doesn’t mean the potency of divine Revelation. What we stop discernment. It means that really happens is that we are so in we continue to be warned of such evil, fluenced by our environment, that and to seek to steer clear of it ourselves. it has become uncomfortable to obey I think there is room for admonish Scripture. Such compromises can ment in our circles. Basically I believe lead to a Liberal theology. I list now our theology is. Biblical, but to have a some basic Liberal tenents to help us purely written theology without a cor in identifying this evil philosophy. responding ethical life has serious im I) The Fatherhood of God. God is plications. The reaction to Liberalism the father of all created men. The in the early 1900's produced some ele good news is exactly this, that "God ments known as “Fundamentalism” is our Father! This being so, all men with some rather devastating results. are universally Christian, and hell (Though my convictions are in sym will be empty. pathy with Fundamentalism). 2) The Brotherhood of Men. This Emphasis on purity of doctrine was so grows out of the Fatherhood of God keen that love, brotherhood, and for concept. If God is Father of all creat bearance were lost. Yet the Bible ed men, then all men are brothers. strongly emphasizes these. Let us as There then are not two classes of a brotherhood be very much alert that people, the converted and unconvert our doctrine be pure and Scriptural, ed, but rather all are one flesh. This and that our ethical life receive the emphasis strengthens the human same kind of concern. May God be our istic tendency within the ranks of the help. Liberals. This also results in optimism Is Liberalism a threat? The answer is about man. He has a spark of religion. yes. Whenever we move from an abso If properly nurtured it will blossom lute faith in the Bible as God’s revela into Christian maturity. tion to men and substitute it for human 3) Liberals seek to reconcile up-to- reason, we are in danger. This is really date science findings with Scripture, the criteria for judgement as to whether and where this is not possible in their individuals or groups have turned Li thinking, such as creation, they would beral. What have they done with Reve rather take the findings of science as lation? authorative. This has resulted in a lot of mind-changing, since science is always discovering new things. Connected with this, is the whole matter of the supernatural in the Rev. Ben Friesen, the writer of the editorial, is on staff of the S.8.1. He is Bible, and the Christian life. These are categorically denied. This in the Public Relations Director and Dean of Students. cludes the virgin birth, Jonah and the whale, and ail the miracles per formed by Jesus, as well as the resur rection. 4) The previous concept has impli cations for who Jesus is. To the Li berals he is a good example. For

Cover Photo: Water Works Park. St Thomas. On tario. Courtesy Ontario Department Tourism ant! Information.

THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mall. Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address. Page!

THE MESSENGER

SOD TURNING CEREMONY AT THE S.B.I. On Monday, May 15 the actual construction of the gymnatorium was initiated by a Sod Turning Ceremony. Building is proceeding immediately. I

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Part of the crowd that came for the 9 o’clock service.

Rev. Harvey Plett, president, chairs the cere mony.

Turning the sod are: Henry Kornelsen, chair man of the Board, Frank Goertzen, student re presentative, and Ben Hoeppner, staff.

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Prayer of dedication led by Peter Broesky, Chortitzer Church, Steinbach.

May 19,1972

Members of the Building Committee: Harvey Plett, John Wiebe, Henry Kornelsen.

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In Search Of Certainty

by Frank C. Peters Writing to Timothy. Paul expresses a certainty which is most impressive. "I know whom I have believed and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me." I see signs of a renewed search for certainty on the campus today. Many university students who were disillu sioned with religious institutionalism turned to the objectivity of science for an answer. They have found little satisfaction in science. Disappointed by both religious institutionalism and ob jective science, many are turning to experience as the only answer for personal fulfillment. Perhaps this is the point at which evangelical Chris tianity could offer its greatest chal lenge. Paul was a first-hand Christian. His faith was not founded on hearsay but on an experience which was immediate and personal. His letters do not give the impression of a mechanical repeti tion of what others are saying or re porting. One gets the impression of the man whose faith was a great discovery, the thrill of which literally coloured everything he did and wrote. There can be no doubt as to the personal as pect of this faith since Paul makes fre quent and effective use of the first personal pronoun — "I know. . . I am sure. . .I have committed. . .’’ How does one get such a vivid sense of God? And where does one find such an inner serenity independent of cir cumstances? Mennonite Brethren have always prided themselves that they had a per sonal and experiential faith. This as sertion was generally based on the im portance which the church attached to conversion. As long as each mem ber could speak of a definite conver sion experience, all was well. But is that really so? Page 4

So much of our life is conventional and formal, without vigour or vitality, more a matter of outward observance than of genuine exuberance. There seems to be too little of that which quickens the pulse or stirs the heart or motivates to action. We speak of a Christian experience which should radically change men’s lives but con tent ourselves with an everyday realism which is not much better than what mere religious moralism pro duces. Let’s be honest. The transforming power of Christian experience isn’t the most distinctive and characteristic feature about many of our members. At best it is a kind of addendum, a marginal factor. Shall we be satisfied with a stereotyped account of a con version experience which occurred many times in the past when there is almost no evidence of a dynamic and vital Christian experience today’.’ Deep down in their hearts multitudes hunger for a vital religion. If God can be known, they want to know him. If faith can be the secret to successful living, they want to learn that secret. How can religion become and remain a first-hand experience'.’ How does one pass from formal observance to intimate acquaintance’.’ Every pastor knows that these are the questions which face him in his ministry. They are also the questions of his own personal life. I have four suggestions to make. Go to those who have had a vital spiritual experience and observe what they have to say — how they came by it, how they maintained it, and what they conceive it to be. This is what you would do in any other search. Those who seek to experience music more fully sit at the feet of the great masters. Young scientists in

search of greatness learn from those who have achieved greatness. Every aspirant knows that there are no easy shortcuts, no substitutes for hard rk. No one just stumbles into a vital spiritual experience.,It is first acquired, then developed and deepened by in dustry, dedication, and discipline. This search also has its textbooks. Next to the Bible, there are such classic works as The Confession of Augustine and Kempis’ Imitation of Christ. I personally received great help from Tozer’s The Pursuit of God. Another suggestion is: Don’t attach too much importance to your feelings. We all covet the glow of a great spiri tual emotion and if we fail to achieve it, we think that our faith has gone flat. Remember, feeling is only one fraction of your life. Thought and will are equally important and God can be apprehended by thought and action as well as in feeling. Emotion should not be sought as an end in itself. Even Christians have their fluctuations of mood and feeling and often these are occasioned by non-spiritual fac tors. Emotions are not to be included from Christian experience but as in nature, where night succeeds day and winter alternates with summer, so radiance and gloom, elation and des pair are never far from each other. Therefore, our spiritual life should be characterized more by depth and stability than by emotion, fervor and exuberance. A third suggestion would be to give God an opportunity to reveal him self. If we spent thirteen to sixteen hours a day on vocational matters and five minutes on spiritual issues, the odds are against spiritual realities. No wonder that the natural world is five hundred times more real than the spiritual. It just takes time and energy to develop spiritual awareness. So often people say that they do not pray because God is not real to them. The truth of the matter is that God is not real to them because they do not pray. Finally, if you want certainty and vitality, you must try to find out what is holding you up. There should be no doubt that God is seeking you with a Cont’d on page 10

THE MESSENGER

Portraying reasons for studying at MENNONITE BRETHREN BIBLE COLLEGE (in association with the University of Winnipeg)

— allows for one full year of Arts electives I including music courses) Bachelor of Theology — 4 years — requires courses in Bible, systematic and historical theology, practical theology, and Greek — allows for the equivalent of two years of Arts courses (including music)

J. REGEHR, M.A,, B,Ed., Th,D. Acting President Association Professor of Practical Theology

P. HAMM, M.A., B.D. Registrar Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

A FACULTY COMMITTED TO: — the authority of God's Word — the relevancy of the Christian faith — the mission of the Church — the training of young people for min istries of the Church — the spiritual nurture needed within an academic community

Bachelor of Arts — first two years of a three-year Arts Course (The final year of the Arts course must be taken in residence at the University of Winnipeg.) — allows for a choice of courses in Eng lish, history, philosophy, sociology, music and religious studies (all cross-registered at the University of Winnipeg) — requires two courses yearly within the Biblical and theological field.

FACULTY MEMBERS NOT LISTED ON THIS PAGE: FULL-TIME: A. Dueck, B.A., B.D., Ph D. Acting Academic Dean Assistant Professor of Historical Theology H. Giesbrecht, M.A., B.Th., M.L.S. Librarian Associate Professor of English V. Ratzlaff, B.A., B.S.W., M.A. (cand) Dean of Students Assistant Professor of Philosophy R. Sawatsky, B.R.E., B.M.E., M.M.E. Assistant Professor of Music E. Wiens, B.R.E.,M.A., Dean of Women Assistant Professor of English PART-TIME. A. Guenther, M.A., M.Div., Prophets P. Klassen, M.A., Music Theory W. Kornelson, B.R.E., Christian Education H. H. Voth, B.A., M.Th., Theology

H. REGEHR, M.A . B.D. Assistant Professor of Sociology

May 19,1972

FOR STUDENTS WHO QUALIFY AS: — students with university entrance standing in their own province le.g. Grade 12 grad uates in the Academic-Technical program in B.C. are admitted) — committed Christians active in local churches — Bible school graduates — mature students, above 21, who have not fully completed high school

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I. BAERG, A.M.M., A.R.C.T. Instructor in Music

DEGREE PROGRAMS IN: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Registrar Mennonite Brethren Bible College 77 Henderson Highway Winnipeg, Manitoba R2L ILl

Bachelor of Church Music — 3 years — requires courses in music, theory, his tory, and applied music, in addition to a core of Biblical and theological courses — allows for the equivalent of two years of Arts courses in music, religious studies, and open electives

Bachelor of Religious Education — 3 years — requires courses in Bible, systematic and historical theology, and practical theology (including missions and Christian education options).

4^ W. BAERG, B.A.. A.R.C.T.. M.A. Assistant Professor of Music

missions I AM AN “M.K. ” I'm sure all of you have heard and read numerous reports from missionaries from dif ferent countries. But how often are the children of these missionaries allowed to say any thing? How do they feel about being on the mission field? Remember, they are not there by choice as their parents are. How do they feel about leaving their friends and relatives in Canada and being thrown into a completely new and different environment? How do they feel about having to find new friends — children who speak a different language, have a different color of skin, wear different clothes, eat different foods, have different religious beliefs, etc? As an English assignment I had each one of my pupils write on the topic, I Am An “M.K.”. Let’s listen to what they have to say. —Martha Kroeker, Mexico Hello! How are you all? 1 love it here in Mexico. Our friends are very friendly. I got a couple of friend.s here. I will tell you two of my friend's names. One is Maria de Lourdes and another is Rosaura. The Mexicans have beans and tortillas almost every meal. We eat most of the foods that the Mexicans do. Would you like to know what our village's name is? 1 think you would. It's name is Picacho. We have four grades. I am in grade two. There are mountains here. And there is nice green grass. Sometimes we go mountain climb ing. There are some snakes here, too. When we go to see Kenton's grave we look at the others too. And then almost all of them have crosses. The people think that the crosses are to keep the evil spirits away. May God bless you in your work. 'Yolanda Kroeker, age 7

It's wonderful to be an "M.K. " Here in Mexico there are a lot of things to see and do. It seems there are lots of missionaries 0 tell the non-Christians about Jesus, but there are lots more non-Christians than Christians. I had a friend a few months ago but now she moved away. Her name was Rosita. I tried to get her to know Je sus but I couldn't. She was quite a small girl. One time when we were gone she had cried herself to sleep because she had no one to play with. Mexicans are very friendly people. Here in Mexico it's lots of fun. Our church is quite nice. It is not as nice as in Canada but 1 like them the same. One time we had D.V.B.S. and a lot of children came. It was nice that so many could hear about Jesus. In Mexico we can go mountain climbing and have a picnic almost every day. In La Nortena it's very pretty. There are lots of high pine trees and flowers. On our way there we drive on high mountains. There are very narrow roads and we can't pass unless we back up to a place where we can pass. Pages

Once we went to another place for a service and lots of children came to play. It hurt my feelings to see all those child ren who didn't know about Jesus. Evangeline Friesen, age 8

I like life in Mexico. It is fun to play with the Mexican children. Some of my friends are. well, 1 would say funny, some are fat, some are strong and some are very, very nice. I have lots of friend.s and guess why! Because we go to lots of places to give services. Most of my friends are not Christians. I am trying to get them to become Christians. Lots of people have been inviting Jesus into their hearts these past few months. There was an old man who was almost ready to die and he invited Jesu.s into his heart and now he can walk around out side already. We have a house like the Mexicans have. It is made out of mud bricks, has a dirt roof and other things. The Mexicans eat tortillas, beans, eggs, chile, enchiladas, and a lot of things we do. I like school here. The school here is al most like the school in Canada. Only here there are only five children in school. There are grades 2, 3. 5 and 6. There are a lot of horses, cows, donkeys, tractors, farms, ranches and. of course, farmers and ranches. 1 like to ride horses and I think all the boys here in Picacho do too. Our neighbours have a small colt. My friend and I would both like to ride it al ready but it would just fall down if we got on it because it is so small yet. Lester Kroeker, age 8 Being an ' M.K." is fun. We have lots of friends to play with and 1 love to go to ser vices in the evening. I like to play with my friends because they are very friendly and kind and they play fair. We live in Picacho, a small village. We have our own school here. A teacher. Miss Martha Kroeker. came to teach us. Mexico is a beautiful place. It is hilly

and has many different flowers and trees. The houses are made of bricks and do not have very much furniture. Many of the Mexicans are poor and all they eat is beans and tortillas. We eat the same things the Canadians do but we eat Mexican foods, too. Some of the Mexicans have cars or trucks but some have carls with horses pulling them. I love to go on those carts. It is very dusty here and very windy. In La Nortena the ground is very dirty. The people there lived in log cabins but now they live in mud houses. We go there on our holidays. Monica Friesen, age 10

I find it very interesting being an "M.K." Sometimes I wish I were in Canada, but I usually change my mind sooner or later. It's not that I don't like Canada but I would be too sorry to leave Mexico. There are a lot of girls and boys to make friend.s with. The Mexicans are friendly, polite, and cheerful people. My friends often invite me to parties and to their homes for dinner. The girl friends, or even boy friend.s, can't resist going to the store with you and buying some candies. Life in Mexico is not always happy and cheery. Sometimes there are sad funerals where the children are left homeless or the deceased person has not been a Christian and has gone to hell. Please pray for the non-Christians. There are a lot of snakes in Mexico. One time all the missionary kids were going across a cattle gate when we saw a rattle snake which was quite angry. Some had crossed already but the rest of us went another way. We have a lot of children to witness to. On one occasion a girl, age 13, wondered why and how Jesus gave His life for her. She couldn't understand why He suffered so much just to save us. I tried my best to explain it to her and told her to think about it. I haven't seen her after that. Please pray for her that she would give her heart to the Lord. Her name is Luz. There are many opportunities for witness ing. Life in Mexico is really interesting. Josephine Friesen, age 12

Are you remembering to pray for theM.K.’s?

Martha Kroeker, a Christian Ser vice Worker, is teaching missionary children in Mexico. Miss Kroeker is a member of Morris Fellowship Chapel. THE MESSENGER

ANTONIA’S CONVERSION

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Almost a year ago Doris and I met Antonia, a Mexican lady about twentyfour years old, with three small chil dren. Right from the beginning she showed interest in the Word of God. She offered her home for children's classes and ladies' Bible studies. As time went on, and we learned to know Antonia better, we realized that the Word of God was speaking to her and that she longed to know God. One day she said, "I am a Catholic, I have studied with the Jehovah's Wit nesses and the Seventh Day Adventists, and now I am studying the Bible with you, and this week a Pentecostal lady came to visit me. " We explained the way of salvation to her but there seemed to be something holding her back from accepting Christ. A few months passed and finally she told us about her vow to the Virgin Guadalupe (patron saint of Mexico, representing the Virgin Mary). She had had a severe case of bronchitis when she promised to say a certain prayer every day for the rest of her life. "What shall I do with this promise? " she asked, revealing that it hindered her from accepting Christ. A few weeks later she was really in a tur moil and her husband said that all this religion was confusing her. In December she put up an altar in her home in honour to the Virgin. She made special food for her friends who came to visit, all in honour and res pect and adoration to the Virgin. We didn't know the conflict going on within her, but she continued coming to the weekly Bible studies, now and then requesting prayer for her mother and other relatives that they too might become interested in God's Word. For awhile we had no personal talks with Antonia about accepting Christ. Of course we kept on praying for her salvation. Recently, at a Monday night service. Edmar Fast spoke on "Resisting the Holy Spirit". Antonia was very atten tive. The following Wednesday at the ladies' Bible class she requested that we explain once again how to be saved. Now she will accept Christ, I thought to myself. She said she wanted to do it all by herself sometime. We showed her the prayer in the "Four Spiritual Laws” booklet. She took the booklet home to study. The expression that na.'j 19,1972

she had on her face seemed to tell us that this time she meant business. A few days later we asked her about her decision. WTh face beaming she told us that she had settled it all with God the night before. We bowed our heads in prayer and she did not hesitate to thank God for her salvation. Now her concern is to be a testimony to her husband and neighbours. She said, "I have a terrible temper and I want victory over it. I am so content and happy that Christ is in my heart." Praise God for answered prayer! Jeremiah 33:3.

Dora Friesen Juarez. Mexico REVIVAL FIRES IN MEXICO We have been thrilled to hear re ports of the wonderful revival out there in Canada. Last night we felt that those same fires were present at our service in Quevedo. During testimony time young married couples by turn got to their feet, quoted a Bible verse and added these words, "With this I confess Christ as my personal Saviour. " Immediately sister Nena expressed her joy for their con versions saying that to her it was an answer to fervent prayer. We had all been waiting for the day this couple would open their hearts to let Christ enter. After the message, another unsaved lady present took this step of faith. She had been attending ser vices for years already but it took the Holy Spirit's working to bring her to this point. This breakthrough started two weeks ago when a lady, with whom Nena had also been dealing, made her decision after the service. There are several more under con viction of sin for whom we request prayer. It's noteworthy that sister Nena confessed a few weeks ago of a spiritual defeat she had had. She had gone on her knees and rededicated her life to the Lord asking Him to make her a soul-winner. She has experienced rich blessings since. Praise the Lord!

Jake and Bertha Kroeker Mexico

THE BEAUTIFUL CROSS OF JESUS It's 3:30, the sun is still scorchingly

hot, but the cathedral bells are tune lessly gouging out to the people to come and faithfully pay their ' s. A group of about 40 gather, mostly heavily veiled women and children. For the third consecutive Friday, Jesus in his purple robe, crown of thorns on his head and stooped under the cross, is lifted onto the shoulders of four teenage boys (scarcely 16) and their journey begins. Through the dusty streets they devoutly trudge, kneeling in the dirt at each cross that has been placed in plain view, and decorated with flowers by some seek ing soul. (Thereby deriving at the name, the beautiful cross of Jesus). They repeat in unison their prayers and then move on. As they pass the house the children shout Jesus is coming. At the end of the village is a small chapel, which never seems to be used for anything else except the turning point of processions. It is there that once again the prayers are repeated and the Christ is carried back — up the hill to the cathedral. This time singing "Sweet heart of Jesus". At the cathedral, mass is said — but no priest is present — and once again their consciences eased they go home, only to repeat it next Friday. Seemingly very devout, but for most of these sin-darkened people, three special occasions a year satis fies them. As we see this procession our hearts burn within us. If only they could each one tread that road to Calvary and SEE Jesus. Instead of them carrying the heavy load back with them, Jesus would transfer that load upon Himself. Instead of empty repeated offerings of prayer, they would break forth with praise to Jesus, the resurrected Lord. Instead of coming away from the series of processions, possessing the same sinful heart, they would be liberated from Satan's power and freed to serve God. Yes, prostrated at the foot of the old rugged cross looking into the lovely face of Jesus would bring instant satisfaction which years of faithful participation in all these pro cessions has not brought. "Yes. Jesus is the Truth, the Way that leads you into rest”. Darlene Olfert Nicaragua Page 7

NAE AT 30, STIRRED BY CHALLENGES, SEEKS SPIRIT-LED UNITY

Calls for a wider outreach and spirit-led unity marked the 30th Anniversary Con vention of the National Association of Evangelicals in St. Louis. Mo., in mid April, with explosive, possibly far-reach ing challenges stirring the leadership of the country's leading evangelical forces. Two speakers called for greater open ness; on the part of evangelicals, express ing concern that more co-operation among evangelical churches has not been evident. In a rousing address Tuesday night, the Rev. David Wilkerson of Cross and Switch blade fame and founder of Teen Chal lenge. an organization that works with nar cotics addicts, described some Holy Spirit movements, such as the Jesus movement, that are shaking the ecclesiastical world. Interrupted frequently by applause from 300 jean-clad young folk sitting at his feet in the front of the audience of 2.000 other persons. Wilkerson chided the established churches for shallow, meaningless pro grams of evangelism and preaching. Then, at the closing banquet Thursday night, the Rev. Dr. Harold J. Ockenga. president of Gordon College and GordonConwell Seminary near Boston, and a founding member of NAE. urged the as sociation to seek a merger with the Amer ican Council of Christian Churches and to explore possible ties with leading denom inations such as the Southern Baptists, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and oth ers that are not affiliated with NAE. In other business, the NAE passed ten resolutions, including a call for mainten ance of capital punishment for premedi tated capital crimes. The national body al so condemned both smoking and the use of alcohol on airlines, reaffirmed its ad vocacy of suitable legislation by the Con gress that will strengthen the present Con stitutional provision for the free exercise of religion in national life, urged respon sibility of care for the aged, supported the concept of tax credit for gifts to insti tutions of higher learning, urged the re sumption and continuation of negotiations for the exchange of POW's. and urged President Nixon to convey to the Soviet Union the moral and humanitarian con cern of Americans over the plight of Jews in that country and of other deprived re ligious groups and nationalities. An insurance executive and evangelical entrepreneur. Frank D. Nicodem. was named Layman of the Year during the convention. Nicodem. a layman and long time officer in NAE was described as a "dynamic church layman and successful businessman who has sought ways to tie his business endeavors to the best inter ests of the church. " Pages

Bishop Myron F. Boyd, head of the Free Methodist Church in Winona Lake. Ind., was elected the new president of the as sociation. replacing Dr. Hudson T. Armerding. First vice-president is Dr. G. Aiken Taylor, editor of the Presbyterian Journal in Asheville. N.C.. and second vice-presi dent is Dr. Nathan Bailey, president of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Dr. Cordas C. Burnett, secretary, and Frank Nicodem. treasurer, retain their respective posts. Delegates to the convention heard oth er challenges in addition to Ockenga's and Wilkerson s. and their significance under scored the increasing openess of the as sociation to younger leadership, closer ties to other evangelical groups, and a willingness to be flexible in their attitude toward new movements without compro mising the NAE Statement of Faith. The convention was not without its wor ship emphasis, despite the prolific amount of seminars <57 of themi. major assem blies. and business sessions. A morning prayer session and an afternoon Bible hour offered the 1.500 delegates and visit ors opportunities for spiritual inspiration and fellowship. Leading the Bible hour was the president of Moody Bible Institute. Dr. George Sweeting, who addressed audiences numbering up to 500 on the subject of love. "Under normal and natural human con ditions." he said, "you are not inclined to sacrifice and suffer for others, but when you are dominated by the Holy Spirit, love and sacrifice spring spontaneously to your mind and heart. You begin to see people in new ways. You recognize selfishness in yourself and needs in others that you nev er saw before. The natural man loves the praise of the people around him. while the Spirit-filled person vearns for the praise of God." Major issues affecting the church were attacked with an evident spirit of aggres siveness in some of the seminars during the three-day meeting. In session;; of the Evangelical Foreign Missions Association, the Rev. Peter Wagner reported that 2.737 missionaries representing 142 mis sionary agencies working in 37 Third World countries have significantly advanced world evangelization. The data was gath ered by a team of researchers of the In stitute of World Missions at Fuller Theolog ical Seminary Wagner called on missions executives to take steps to stimulate mis sionary activity on the part of Third World churches related to their missions. He also called for the immediate development of missionary courses in hundreds of Bible schools and seminaries around the world.

REVIVAL IN CREIGHTON AND FLIN FLON

"Do not pass me by", this was the prayer of a number of us belonging to the Northern Fellowship Chapel (Evangelical Mennonite Churchl. A few of us had experienced personal revival but what about all the others in Creighton and Flin Flon. (Many people seemingly have moved to this mining town to escape their churches back home.) Surely. God wouldn't pass them by. Ladies had been praying every Wednesday morning for the past two years. The group started w’ith five Presbyterian ladies and grew to about 45. coming from many different chur ches. Then on May 1 revival came to Flin Flon in a big way. Captain Leo Porter, a Salvation Army Officer from Brandon conducted a week of meetings at the local Presbyterian Church. It was just great to see the Baptists. Salvation Army. Pentecos tals. Presbyterians and Mennonites working together to present Jesus Christ. I would like to share just a few of the highlights that happened as a result of the meetings. " But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you... " Acts 1 ;8a (R.S.V.i This is what many of us experienced. Now’ when we prayed for someone, something happened. During one afterglow we sang. "Lord, lay some soul upon my heart The person whom the Lord laid on my husbands heart experienced some thing great with Jesus Christ just 24 hours after my husband started praying for him. The Lord gave me a personal vic tory. I had never counselled someone before and the Lord spoke to me about it. Then Saturday night, during the altar call, my husband and I went down the stairs to pray. Then a teenage girl that I knew’ came down too. She had been a Christian for many years, but for the past year she had been dating a non Christian fellow. The Lord gave me the courage and wisdom to speak to this girl and to pray with her about her problem. The next morning she Cont'd on page 12

THE MESSENGER

with the churches

ROSENORT

"Oh Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep." Psalm 92;5. The Psalms have been a tremendous bless ing, be it for reproof, for encouragement, for comfort, for thanksgiving or for praise. My heart compels me to mention the Re vival that has touched us and how the Holy Spirit still is working in our community. J We were richly blessed during our ser ies of meetings March 26 to April 9 with Rev. Arnold Fast as guest speaker. Since the revival had already started, our hearts were more responsive to receive the mes sages so clearly expounded by Rev. Fast. Rev. Menno Kroeker with his class. Three of these evenings were visitation (Grade VH and VIII) nights, so many homes were visited, which also proved a blessing. to these students who are loaned to us On April 2. Leonard Loewen was received briefly on the fifth day of each school week. as member in our congregation. He was a Following is a testimony written by one member of the Kamsack EMC. for a num of the children; ber of years. "Each year 1 had different religious A group from the Winnipeg Bible College teachers in school. It was very interesting favoured us with several special numbers t I as I came to know God. I started getting to in song and also shared their testimonies know God more and more. We had another with us on April 9. Leonard Loewen, a grad and another class of religion. One particu uate of the Winnipeg Bible College, had in lar day my teacher asked us to accept Je vited them, together with a number of our sus into our hearts. That night I accepted young people, to the home of Dave L. Frie Him and everything kept getting better and sens for an afternoon of social fellowship. Mrs Martha Reimer on right and Mrs Rose better." On April 16. at our morning service Rev. Plett on left. Henry Kornelsen. together with a group TREESBANK from Ridgewood came and shared what the Our Sunday School is awarding one week "0 sing unto the Lord a new song, sing Lord had done for them recently. Then on of free Bible Camp to the three students unto the Lord, all the earth. Psalm 96 ;1. April 23. a group from Pleasant Valley who score the highest points. In this way It's spring, and who can help but sing! came. Thank you all for coming! It is won we are seeking to encourage and extend Lloyd Reimer, together with his dad derful the way the Holy Spirit works the children's Bible Study; for we know went on a trip to Florida. They were gone through the various testimonies. He is able also to save them, to the utter two weeks, enjoying lovely summer weathGroups from our church have gone to most that come to God by Him. (Heb. 7;25l er. share at Fisher Branch, Washow Bay, We are handing out Sunday School take On April 16. our Young People were Ridgewood. Pleasant Valley and Morris home papers each time. These have been hosts to a combined "Variety Night ". Par Fellowship Chapel. At some of the ser supplied by the Winnipeg Evangelical ticipants came from Maryfield. Brandon. vices. members of the Youth Choir also Mennonite Churches (back numbers I. Belmont. Killarney and Ninga. We really presented a short program. Questions are asked and answered by enjoyed the singing, musical numbers, fam The Young People',s Meeting on April 16 both teachers and pupils Recently one ily group song.s and other items that were a voluntary program. Many interest was child asked; "If we can pray to God for our rendered. ing items were brought, also a lot of local needs, then why do some people suffer?" We have just finished a series of Deeper talent was displayed with musical numbers What a challenge it is to teach God's Word Life Meetings (April 21-271. with Rev. Ed and singing. win Wright and Rev. Milton Fast minister A mixecJ choir presented a Missions Pro i LJ O ing to us. We are happy to report of souls gram which included a play "The Hidden saved and others who renewed their fel Motto" and singing at the Altona EMMC lowship with the Lord. We were especially Church. A delicious lunch was served to blesse(j the last evening when a group those participating. This same program was from Kleefeld and Boissevain came to brought in our home church the following share their testimonies with us. Sunday. We experienced a spiritual refreshment, The Young People sponsored a Car Wash during the "After-glows" and particularly project. Because of the rain a day prior to the last night. We all felt rather sorry to the washing, they had received more jobs break up the meeting and go home. How than they could handle. The proceeds went thankful we are for this bond of love, even for Missions and the Organ Fund. though we live miles and miles apart. Considerable time was spent in business Mrs Evelyn Heinrichs to right. Missing is Thank you for coming out and may God at our ladies' meeting on May 2. We also richly bless you. had a time of sharing of recent blessings. Mrs Dorothy Kroeker and six pupils.

FISHER BRANCH Every sixth school day Catholic and Pro testant teachers enter our elementary school for a fifty-five minute religious per iod. This year the enrollment in the Prot estant classes is 120 students. Approxi mately 90 per cent of these children attend no Sunday School and yet all have an eter nal soul! There are seven teachers in our group. Mr Harry Bergman is in charge. Five of the teachers have pre-school children and these are looked after by volunteers who are helping along in this way.

n IT 'Tr'

May 19,1972

ALTONA CHURCHES OPERATE STORE TO CONVERT GOODS INTO CASH FOR MCC

Our guest for the evening was Hope Eidse, who gave a brief talk on contrasts of life on the mission field and home field. Mr John D. Penner from Winnipeg, pre sented the Gideons World Wide Ministry on May 7, Gideon Sunday.

ENDEAVOUR Greetings from Endeavour. First, we wish to welcome home our friends from B.C. and Mr and Mrs Hoffer, who spent part of the winter in California. From all the reports, they are glad to be home. On March 19. several from our church Interior view of Self Help Centre in Altona, Man. went to Pelly to the revival meetings there. The testimonies are evidence of the Spirit’s Representatives of the Altona .Menno The women of the three Mennonite working. churches in Altona. Manitoba found a nite. Bergthaler .Mennonite. and Evange The Young People rendered a program way to convert clothing into cash for the lical .Mennonite Mission churches met earlier at the home of Johnny Luchinski on March Mennonite Central Committee. this year to find ways of making the best 24. Even though the storm raged outside, use of donated goods. They hit on the the fellowship inside was warm. A year ago MCC announced that it was idea of setting up a store in downtown On April 14, Mr Dave Friesen and a cutting back its material aid requests by Altona where good used clothing and other Girls Trio from the Nipawin Bible School one-third because many of the items contributed item.s could be sold. All pro presented a program in our church. They donated by North American familie.s were fits would then be turned over to MCC. were able to go to the Hospital and the The store, which they have named the not needed in most of the countries where Senior Citizen s Home in Preeceville on it was doing relief. Furthermore, it was “Community Self Help Centre” because Saturday and were well received at both usually les.s espensive for them to purchase they also sell MCC needlework and handi places. the goods closer to the scene of the emer craft goods from abroad, opened its door on The Youth Rally once again was a high gency than to ship them in all the way Marcy 17. During its first six week.s of opera light for the Young People. The item.s tion it has a gross receipt of $1,000 from Canada or the United States. on the program were a joy to hear. The Film "3 " was shown, which points out the problems and frustrations our young peo ple face. The Hudson Bay group also show Our prayer cell groups became more IN SEARCH OF CERTAINTY Cont’d. ed a short film and after that the ladies meaningful and also a special prayer cir constancy which w’ould put your search served a delicious meal. In the evening a cle was formed to pray for revival to shame. We often talk about seeking team from Regina was with us for a ser On March 28 - April 4. our Revival Meet God as though he w’ere constantly vice. They shared what God had done in ings were held with Rev. Henry P. Dyck hiding from us. The opposite is true. their lives. Sunday morning several cou ministering to us. Many Christians have God has been seeking us for so long ples and a number of others rededicated experienced a renewed relationship with but there are barriers which we place their lives and met God in a real way. After a fellowship lunch was served, the the Lord. There seems to be more genu between us and him. ine love amongst us. The "afterglows ” newly dedicated Christians gave their So often college students tell me of testimonies. A visitor at the afternoon ser were rich with sharing experiences. A their many intellectual difficulties in vice remarked what a blessing he had re number of groups have been going to matters of religion. Such questions ceived just from the testimonies Yes. God share what the Lord has done for them in as inspiration, miracles, or the virgin is real. May we continue our close walk other churches. "Well give the glory to Jesus" birth of Christ are repeatedly mention daily with Him. ed. I am reminded of a college pastor On Friday. May 5. the Young People once The Lord saw fit to keep our pastor. who had been similarly bombarded again served at the hospital in Preeceville. Rev. Henry Kornelsen. on bedrest during On Sunday. Mr Buhler went to Birch these meetings. He was bedridden due to by a student and who looked the River and Ralph Unger visited us. He pre a bleeding ulcer. He is now well on the way young man straight in the eye and said: sented the need.s of Steep Rock Camp as to recoverv. "Tell me, have you by any chance any well as a timely message. "How Big is Fred Thiessen has returned from serving difficulties with the Ten Command Your God ”. a term in British Honduras and gave a re ments?" It turned out that the crux of port with slides on May 7. There are also this difficulty was not intellectual but some Bible students back from their various moral. RIDGEWOOD Institutes of learning. Phyllis Penner is We can all have a vivid sense of God "Great is the Lord and greatly to be back from the Nipawin Bible Institute and and of the forgiveness of sin. a new Grace Friesen i.s back from the Berard In sense of power and peace, a new in praised. . ." Psalm 48:1. The Lord indeed has shown Himself let Institute. Good to see you back! fectious buoyancy of spirit and an The Mary Martha Sewing Circle had a great in Ridgewood these last months. We outgoing love for others. It is our spiri were experiencing a re-awakening among bake sale and raffle on April 27. Pete tual birthright and God will not short Bergen and a group of singers served Christians for some time before the plan change us. -M.B. Herald ned Revival Meetings actually started. with music.

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THE MESSENGER

news/scope CELEBRATING its sixtieth anniversary this year is the Congo Inland Mission who began work in Congo (now Zaire) in 1912 with three missionaries. Physical exertion and exposure took its toll of one of these new workers only a little over a year later. But the work continued and two years later the first believers were baptized. These early beginnings led from no church to a dynamic body of over 30,000, approximately sixty ordained or candidates for ordination to the ministry, nationals administering the church, dispensaries and small hospitals: church trained teachers for primary and secondary schools, as well as Bible teachers and evangelists. Official anniversary celebrations are scheduled for June 18, 2:00 p.m. at the Brookside church Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Speaking at the evening service that same day will be Kakesa Samuel, legal representative of the Zaire Mennonite church. For the celebration, CIM is publishing THREESCORE, a book by Mel Loewen. It will be available about May 15. It highlights the history of the Zaire Mennonite church from the beginningto 1972.

BILLY GRAHAM SAYS in a recent prayer letter. "My own personal schedule of speakingduringthe next six months is one of the heaviest I have ever undertaken. I would appreciate your prayers for physical and spiritual strength. The fields are white unto harvest—as never before in history...We are living in an extremely critical period of history but as a Christian I find it exciting. What a thrilling thing to stand before the microphones and cameras and boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ at such an hour...” BACK TO THE BIBLE Broadcast, Lincoln, Nebraska, has completed another year of ministry—33 years in all. The chapel service held nearest to May 1 each year holds special significance. In addition to marking the first Back to the Bible program, aired from a Lincoln, Nebraska station, in 1939, it is the time when length of service pins are presented. Executive Director Melvin A. Jones, better known to Youth program listeners as “The Voice of Danny

May 19, 1972

Orlis” during the past 21 years, received his 30 year pin. Apart from Mr and Mrs Epp who began this ministry in 1939, Mr Jones has the distinction of having been with the Broadcast longer than any other person.

THE SPANISH BROADCAST, La Biblia Dice, (Back to the Bible Spanish release) is now being heard on over 60 stations six times a week in Mexico and Central and South America. Reports like the following come in: “Recently 25 prisoners in jail were converted as a ; esult of the program and the Gospel literature sent...”

WHEN MRS ETHEL MILLER heard a Christian psychologist remark that there were many things that could be done for medical missions in addition to prayer and giving money, she decided to do something about it. From this has grown Medical Supplies for Missions Inc. headquartered in Tacoma, Washington. Over the years God has led many people to donate, not only medical supplies and drugs, but also hours of their time. As of September 1971 wholesale value of drugs and supplies has come to a total of two million dollars. For every 3.8 cents of cash expense MSFM has placed one dollar’s worth of supplies overseas.

KEY "73’' - Plans for a "Christian blitz" across North America in 1973 moved a step closer to reality re cently. Key 73, believed to be the broad est and most intensive evangelistic effort ever undertaken in the United States and Canada, is led by a Cen tral Committee which held a twoday meeting here in late February. The committee heard a report from its executive director. Dr. T. A. Raedeke, that participation was running ahead of schedule. He said that the number of demonimations and Christian organizations that have committed themselves to Key 73 now number 130. Most of North America's major denominations are included. Each church is being encouraged to implement Key 73 in its own way. Co-ordinated efforts are being de signed simply to reinforce what Christians plan to do at the grass roots level.

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HUNDREDS OF YOUNG JEWS have declared their faith in Christ during the past few months. A rabbi in sub urban Philadelphia noted this fact in his synagogue newspaper and blamed it on the "vacuum of iden tity which exists in many Jewish homes today.” Young people are seeking spiritual answers, he wrote. As for these new Christians, he declared that "these young peo ple have accepted Christ and thus believe with a fervor that cannot be reasoned away. The Jewish com munity has lost these young men and women. It is too late to bring them back. We must all share the blame. Let us all mourn them to gether." NEXT MON FH’S EXPLO ’72 in Dal las, Texas, seems destined to mark a new high in public interest in evangelism. 100,000 kids from across the U.S. will come for a week to listen to Billy Graham, Arthur Blessitt, Bob Harrington, Johnny Cash, and scores of less notable but highly skilled leaders in Bible Study and evangelism. A bicycle caravan will come from Spring Arbor College, and a ten-bus caravan from the Holland-Zeeland, Michigan, area. A massive closing rally of 250.000 is scheduled for the Cotton Bowl. Campus Crusade for Christ, which is sponsoring the meeting, calls it the "largest training confer ence ever held in America.”

DID YOU KNOW that Bible Work is going on in every country of East ern Europe except Albania? One of the recent breakthroughs for the Bible Society was the printing of 100,000 Bibles in Rumania. The Bi ble Societies in East Germany have been functioning since 1952. The Bible Society in Warsaw, Poland has been operating continuously since World War IL In the last two years Bi ble distribution in Czechoslovakia has greatly increased. This year the Bible Society’s budget for work be hind the Iron Curtain is over $300,000. THE BRAZILIAN GOVERNMENT has invited Child Evangelism Fellow ship to teach in the public schools in San Paulo. The teachers are reaching 26,000 children each week. In December the Brazilian Child Evangelism director gave four television demonstrations, sponsored by the government. Evangelism of every kind is boom ing in Brazil, along with industry and business in general. Page 11