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The Messenger July 14, 1972

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July 14, 1972

Vol. 10

No. 14

K^75 rAtiiMn nan COMTMNT

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1972 Annual Conference

Renewal For Our Time

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By the Editor

Riding on the crest of the Canadian re­ vival movement the theme of the 1972 EMC annual conference was RENEWAL FOR OUR TIME and featured five main speakers speaking on that topic. The fol­ lowing themes were dealt with: Dealing with Sin — Dave Dueck The Fulness of the Holy Spirit — F. P. Kroeker Dying to Self — H. F. Klassen Renewal and Missions — Dan Koop The Continuing Work of the Holy Spirit — Milton Fast

"We can spend much time in reading books on dying to self, spend much time in prayer and striving, when what we need is to know what God. the Holy Spirit, seeks to reveal to us in His word, how God has dealt with and Ls dealing with our self-life. May God help us to see that full provision has been made." (H. F, Klassen) "Probably because of our ignorance of what the Scriptures have to say about the fulnes.s of the Holy Spirit, and also our ig­ noring the wooing of the Spirit of God within us we have missed out on the won-

derful peace, joy and power which is ours for the taking. At the very mention of the fulness of, or being filled with the Holy Spirit, we have closed our hearts and minds at times and considered it to be some­ thing strictly for "Pentecostals”, or as­ sociated it with fanaticism and conse­ quently remained calloused, cold, indifferent and ineffective, robbing the very God and our Saviour Jesus Christ of the honour and glory in our lives that He so desired and de­ served." (F. P. Kroeker) Friday afternoon was devoted to a fel­ lowship of mission board members and missionaries. To begin with we heard a report on the recent visit to Nicaragua of John K. Reim­ er. Harvey G. Plett and Nick K. Friesen. They reported of a blessed time. The devotional was brought by Bill Buhler of Endeavour. The speaker em­ phasized six things he felt were important for the missionary in Canada: 1) He should know that he is an ambassador 2) He should have humility 3) He should have rapport 4) He should have love 5) He should have, patience 6) He should identify with the people. Mr Buhler brought in some touching illustrations of how he himself had had to apply what he said. The sharing time was led by Ben Friesen. "We don't want to bind ourselves too much to time.” said Mr Friesen as he began. He emphasized that in this hour each one would go inwardly and think of his relation­ ship to the Lord Jesus Christ. Following are a few excerpts of those who shared. "Our second term was quite a bit dif­ ferent than the first term...We want to thank the Board for the wonderful help they

have been to us.” (Frank P. Kroeker. Inspirational sessions at the 1972 annual conference were well attended as this photo reveals.

Newly elected Mission Board members standing to receive charge at annual con­ ference. Left to right: Milton Fast, Bill S. Friesen, Ben Friesen, C. B. Loewen, N. K. Friesen, Henry Harms, Ed. Reimer, John P. Loewen (missing Elmer Hamm).

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Paraguay) "We are indeed thankful for our EMC Board of Missions...! would also like to say we appreciate your prayers...For us it is a real treat to come to the Conference ministerials or to be present at Conference and come together with fellow missionaries.” iC. F. Dueck. Saskatchewan) ■'Pray for me that from now on I will be a more true worker for the Lord. " (Ben P. Penner. Board member) "The past year the Lord has given us real joy in our life...but there are still strug­ gles...” (Frank Braun. Manitoba) "My prayer is that I might be faithful...” (Dave Froese. Board member) "...have mixed feelings...would much rather have been at the conference in Mex­ ico...! want to express my thanks for the wonderful co-operation we have had with the churches, the Board and especially the pray-ers... "It has been our joy to see churches es­ tablished. it has been our joy to see souls saved, but it isn't always an easy task,.,to

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THE MESSENGER


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Pictured here are missionaries present at the 1972 Annual Conference. Front row left to right: Lillie Penner (Germany), Agnes Friesen (Manitoba), Mr and Mrs Frank Kroeker (Paraguay), Mrs Harvey Barkman (Zaire), Mrs Larry McNeill (Mali Republic), Martha Kroeker (Mexico), Mrs Wilbert Friesen (Nicaragua). Second row: Mrs Henry Klassen (British Honduras), Mr and Mrs Jake Kroeker (Mexico), Mr and Mrs Edmar Fast (Texas), Mrs C. F. Dueck (Saskatchewan), Mrs John Peters (Germany), Harvey Barkman (Zaire), Larry McNeill (Mail Republic), Elizabeth Reimer (Mexico), Ellen Brell (Pakistan), Wilbert Friesen (Nicaragua), Fred Thiessen (British Honduras). Third row: Wendy Monson (Brazil), Marvin Thiessen (Brazil), C. F. Dueck (Sask.), John Peters (Germany), Vernon Reimer (India), Mr and Mrs Walter Reimer (under appointment to Paraguay), Mrs Frank Braun (Manitoba), Alvira Friesen (accepted candidate). see a soul saved is worth a lot...but to see The year 1972 marked one very significant In all there were eight Boards and Commit­ that soul discipled is even greater." (Jake change in EMC election procedures. Here­ tees to which members needed to be elect­ P. Kroeker, Mexico) tofore some elections were conducted by ed. In addition to this elections were held "My question is this. Am I willing to give the ministerial only, and some by Confer­ in behalf of five organizations (not EMC) up all personal desires in order to make ence council. Furthermore some were held in which we have one or more members. Christ the all in all in my life?' " (Elmer in February and some at annual conference. The EMC Boards and Committees are the Hamm. Board member) With the new proposed constitution this following: was changed so that all elections would be Board of Missions In closing Mr Friesen challenged those conducted during annual conference. Due Board of Education and Publication gathered with "As we bring this time of to this new set-up all Conference offices Conference Executive sharing to a close...we want to look forward, terminated as of the 1972 annual conference. Board of Finance we want to look onward...onward with In order to fill existing offices and a few Social Concerns Committee Christ...what we heard today ought to spur new ones, a Nominating Committee had Estates Committee us on. There are souls that are lost, there b^en hard at work already from early this Youth Committee are souls that are dying. May God give us the year to draw up a list of nominees who Music Committee compassion to go out and win these..." would let their names stand for election. The following organizations are interMennonite in which we have a representa­ With the Conference growing, name tags were adopted for this year’s Conference tion and to which we elect members. council session. Seen trying to pin on his tag is moderator elect, Henry Kornelsen. Steinbach Bible Institute Sitting, Dave Harms, Menno Kroeker and Gerry Doerksen. MCC (Manitoba) MCC (Canada) Eden Mental Health Center Mennonite Disaster Service Filling offices in these various functions are the following people. We recommend them to your earnest intercession. Conference Executive P. L. Friesen. RRl. Box 63. Morris. Man. D. P. Friesen. RRl. Wawanesa. Man. Arnold Fast. Box 8. Steinbach. Man. Henry Kornelson. Box 18. RRl. Giroux. Man. Frank D. Reimer. RRl. Box 45. Landmark. Man. Melvin Penner. Blumenort. Man. Cornie Plett. 98 Byars Place. Winnipeg. Man.

July 14, 1972

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Abe R. Reimer, Box 183, Giroux, Man. John Kornelson. RRl. Morris, Man. Social Concerns Committee Abe Bartel. RRl. Morris. Man. Harold Plett. Box 41. Landmark. Man. Dave P. Loewen. RRl. Giroux. Man. Henry Fast. Box 387. Steinbach. Man. John Koop. Box 133, MacGregor. Man. Estates Committee Abe F. Penner. Landmark. Man. Dick B. Eidse. RRl. Morris, Man. Ed Loewen. Steinbach. Man. Henry J. Reimer, RRl, Giroux, Man. Harry Fast. 42 Cabot Cresc.. Winnipeg, Man. Youth Committee Bernie Thiessen. Box 359. Riverton. Man. John Sawatzky. Box 2042. Steinbach, Man. Johnny Loewen. RRl. Morris. Man. John G. Reimer. RRl, Landmark. Man. Gordon Schellenberg. 1039 Consol Ave.. Winnipeg. Man. Music Committee Ralph Unger (left) represented the Lome Kornelson. RRl. Morris, Man. Birch River church which was accepted Bernie Thiessen. Box 359. Riverton. Man. into the Conference at the 1972 annual Isaac J. Loewen. RRl. Giroux. Man. conference. At right may be seen past Ernest Dueck. 39 Lowery Bay. Winnipeg. moderator P. L. Friesen. Man. Albert K. Friesen. Box 145, Kleefeld, Man. Board of Missions Walter Dueck. Box 331, Birch River. Man. John P. Loewen. RRl. Giroux, Man. John G. Reimer, RRl. Landmark, Man. Elmer Hamm. Box 125. Wymark. Sask. Mennonite Central Committee (Manitoba) Bill S. Friesen. RRl. Box 102. Morris, Man. Peter B. Reimer. Box 305, Steinbach. .Man. Ben Friesen. Box 1432. Steinbach. Man. Mennonite Central Committee (Canada) .Milton Fast. Kleefeld. Man. Henry P. Dyck. Box 1706, Steinbach, Man. Cornie B. Loewen. RRl. Box 108, Morris. Eden Mental Health Center Man. Jake Bergen, Portage la Prairie, Man. Nick Friesen, RRl. Morris, Man. Mennonite Disaster Service Henry Harms. Roseisle. Man. Abe B. Eidse. RRl. Morris. Man. Ed Reimer. Blumenort. Man. Board of Education and Publication Two other items of business on Saturday Harvey Plett. Box 1420. Steinbach. Man. at the council sessions concerned constituPeter Doerksen. 17 Come St.. Winnipeg, tional changes. The first concerned the Man. Mission Board where "No two Board mem­ Ernie Loewen. Box 85. Rosenort. Man. bers shall be elected from the same church," Fred Klassen. Box 52. Blumenort. Man. was changed to, "Not more than two shall Melvin Koop. Box 2232, Steinbach. Man. be elected from the same church". This vote Norman Bartel. Box 156, Kleefeld. Man. carried 108 to 34. The other change affected Gerry Doerksen. Box 213. Giroux. Man. time of meeting of ministerial and confer­ Menno K. Kroeker. Box 114. Fisher Branch. ence Boards and Committees. Man. D. K. Schellenberg. Box 1268. Steinbach, Occuring also on Saturday was the ac­ Man. ceptance of one new church for 1972. Board of Finance Ralph Unger, representing the Birch River, Ben L. Reimer. Box 171. Steinbach. Man. Manitoba congregation received the wel­ Ed Wiebe. Box 18, Wawanesa. Man. come in behalf of the church from moder­ Herman J. Dyck. Box 154. Steinbach. Man. ator P. L. Friesen. The church has 21 mem­ Pete Wiebe. Box 1272. Steinbach, Man. bers. Birch River is some 25 miles north of Ben K. Plett, RRl, Landmark. Man. Swan River. Mr Unger is the leader of this Steinbach Bible Institute group since this spring when he replaced Ed Loewen. Steinbach. Man. Andrew Friesen.

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I J Larry and Katheryn McNeill were among the missionaries at the missionary pre­ sentation at the annual conference on Sunday. The McNeills are home on fur­ lough from Mali, West Africa.

After the Conference council sessions the ministerial council stayed back to elect a moderator out of the new seven member ex­ ecutive. H. W. Kornelsen, pastor of the Ridgewood congregation was elected. Reports by other Boards and Committees were given during the inspiration sessions of the conference. Sunday afternoon at annual conference was devoted to Missions. One of the signifi­ cant events was that of transferring the ad­ ministration of EMC Missions to the newly elected nine-member Mission Board. This

function was performed by the assistant moderator, Arnold Fast. In his address brother Fast first gave recognition to the previous Board and the efforts they had put forth. He then gave a charge to both the congregation and the new Board closing with a prayer of dedication. Another highlight was the presentation of missionaries and accepted candidates pre­ sent for annual conference. There were some 30 missionaries present. "Renewal in Missions” was the topic of the message of the afternoon.

N.B. Please look for additional annual con­ ference reports in next MESSENGER.

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform, instruct and inspire. In­ form as to what is going on in the Conference. Instruct in Godliness and victorious living. Inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. AU correspondence should be addressed to the Editor D. K. Schellenberg. Views expressed in Letters to the Editor are not necessarily those of the editor nor of the paper. Unpublished letters are not returned except by request. Subscription: Members pay through their church. Non-members $1.00 per year. THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Elvangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mail, Registration Nuniber 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address, THE MESSENGER Page 4


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WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS?

It is always of interest to me when missionary candidates upon being interviewed by our Board of Missions mention important factors in their lives which brought them to their present place. This is especially so when it involves people who were an influence on them. It is heart warming to find that there are Christians who take their calling seriously enough to speak to others about their faith. And so again last week Friday when the Mission Board sat to hear the testimonies of several candidates I suddenly heard something like this. “I was saved at age nine when after Sunday school my teacher kept me back and presented Christ to me.” Maybe this teacher will never know the ex­ tent of his ministry to this young fellow in his class on that Sunday morning, maybe back in 1955, but without a doubt it is recorded in heaven. When have we last presented the claims of Christ to someone? Or is that our business? It happened again when another candidate gave an ac­ count of her spiritual pilgrimage and how it had involved three other Christians who had ministered to her in some of her struggles. I’m sure these self appointed Christian counsellors did this not out of a sense of duty as much as loving concern for someone who was in need of guidance at that particular time. Somehow I have the feeling that these people are rare in our churches today; those who will take the time to deal with others about their souls: those who are concerned over the backslider. What is it that makes us cringe when we think of sharing our faith with others? A group of about 46 people in one of our churches answered this way when asked what their greatest problem in witnessing was. 5 I just do not know how 21 I am afraid of what the person may think 18 I feel I do not know enough Scripture 3 I feel I am not a good enough Christian myself As we look at these excuses we see that all of them could be overcome, with the help of the Lord. Billy Graham is quoted as saying, “If all Christians did their job. I'd be out of a job." This statement is fraught with implications. It is also a sad commentary on the state of the average Christian; one of indolence and procrastina­ tion. Key '73 (see page 12) is a mammoth evangelistic effort by over one hundred religious groups and organizations in the United States and Canada to be realized during the year 1973 and be known as “Key '73". One local area meeting has already been held in Winnipeg. The overall theme of Key '73 is CALLING OUR CONTI­ NENT TO CHRIST. Here is another opportunity for Christians everywhere to have a part in challenging men and women, boys and girls with the claims of Christ; a situation where even the timid can get in on and together with others have a part in serving the Lord. To the theme we could also add and we should, “Calling all Christians to pray" for this great venture. July 14,1972

The Christian life is operated on faith and faithfulness. After we have come to the faith God looks for faithfulness. In this relation is also responsibility towards non-Christians. And who can tell whether our concern now will not result in some future missionary candidate saying, “I was faced with the claims of Jesus Christ during the Key '73 evange­ listic thrust and as a result of that I am here today." Or is that too far-fetched? I think not. I believe we should lend our efforts to those who are spearheading Key '73 and do our part in CALLING OUR CONTINENT TO CHRIST. -D.S.

BRUCKS SHOULD WRITE MORE BOOKS K book has recently come to my attention which I think every Christian, who is concerned about reaching young people for Christ, should read. The name of the paperback is PASS THE SUGAR but you wouldn't guess by the title what the contents are. Author of the book is George Brucks who is engaged in a Coffee House type of ministry to young people in Holland. I picked up the book while attending the English church service in Basel when we were in Europe in May. My inter­ est in the author was further sparked because I had heard him give the graduation address at the Janz Team school for Missionary Children. Another reason why the book intrigued me was that the writer has no phobia about admitting that there are times, and maybe often, when he does not know the answer or has not been “successful " in his endeavours. In this relation I believe we often do our missionaries an injustice by de­ manding only "good” reports. We need to take our hat off to anyone who tells it like it is. And everyone knows even if we don’t care to admit it that “we fail oft,” and missionaries are no exception. George Brucks' admission of problems and frustrations and setbacks in this book is refreshing in itself, to say the least, because we have long suspected that missionaries do have these times. This “missionaries are people on a pedestal” idea re­ sulted in a’ rude awakening one day for a little missionary friend of ours who after they had been on the field for some time remarked to her mother, “Really we are no different. I don't think we are missionaries! ” I think it’s time that we start viewing missionaries like people and they would be the first to tell us this, at least should. The sooner we realize this the sooner we can in­ telligently pray for them. The longer we hold on to the idea that they are some sort of super-people the longer we do them a dis-service. To better make this sink in I want to tell you who are reading this that in the true sense of the word if you are in the place to which the Lord has called you, be it a laborer, craftsman or chief executive, you too are a “missionary”. That is the high calling we have. I think George Brucks should write more books! -D.S. Cover photo: Summit Lake near Revelstoke. B. C. Courtesy Department of Travel Industry, Victoria. B.C.

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65,000 Students

10,000 Visitors

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Sixty-five Conference Sites Cost: Close to $3 Million

EXPLO ’72 "God’s Forever Family Reunion’’ I;.

Explo 72 is history now. but I'm positive that Barb (my sister) and I will never be able to forget it. For us. Explo began when we received a phone call from Minot. North Dakota, informing us that we could travel with their delegation. That was only about four days before Explo was actually sched­ uled to begin. We had been praying that God would show us His will concerning this for months ahead of time, and finally, when Explo was only about a week away, we knew for sure that He wanted us to go. And here 1 want to take time to say thanks to a wonderful Dad who made all those phone calls to Dallas. North Dakota, and decided that Explo would be worth taking out a loan for. even though he couldn't really afford it. We left Minot at 3:30 Sunday morning and travelled all day. Barb and 1 felt a little lonesome at first with a whole busload of kids we didn't know. But. bv the end of the day we had made some friends and were starting to get excited about Explo. We slept overnight at York. Nebraska, in the city aud­ itorium. all 160 of us. We all spread our sleeping bags out on the gym floor: the girls, that is. The guys had to go down­ stairs. Someone's alarm clock went off at three o'clock in the morning and suddenly everybody was getting up and talking and getting dressed. By four o'clock we were all standing in the chilly darkness of the morning and waiting for our buses. Excitement mounted through the day as our bus driver would announce the number of miles left. We drove steadily south through Nebraska. Kansas, and Oklahoma. Then we started seeing the signs—"Dallas-102 miles " and then. " Dallas -59 miles ". Explo 72 was becoming a reality! Soon the huge city sprawled before us with its rushing traffic and con­ fusing mass of freeways and billboards and signs. Page 6

At 7:30 we pulled into Market Hall for registration. Talk about crowds! Wherever we turned there were buses and people and more buses and more people. Some were sitting on the grass in small groups, some were walking determinedly with their bags and suitcases, and many were singing and smiling. Barb and I had been separated already at York in the morning, and now I was separated from our North Dakota group. In that crowd. I doubted that we would meet until Explo was over. Somehow, though, it didn't worry me. I seemed to have become very dependent on God and He took me through all the complications involved in registering and He also allowed Barb and me to find each other. During the week we were going to be very glad that we had each other and I know that it was not a lucky coincidence that we met in that crowd of about 10.000 people. Late that night, after making some fruit­ less phone calls, walking and walking until our feet were aching, dragging our suitcases from one spot to another, we finally ar­ rived at the apartments where we were to stay for the night. As Barb and I half-stag­ gered into the lighted courtyard a bunch of kids (also Explo delegates) who had been sitting around the swimming pool, came to meet us. "Hi." they said. "Where are you from?■■ This was to be the standard ques­ tion for the whole week as we had already learned. When they found out that we were from Canada they let out a cheer. We had stumbled upon a bunch of 27 MB kids from Vancouver. This was quite something, as Canadians were rather rare at Explo. After talking for awhile we were shown to our room, an unfurnished apartment. Both of us were too excited to go to sleep for a long time. We were actually here in Dallas and ahead of us lay a week of meet­ ing hundreds of Christian kids and hearing

some of the greatest Christian speakers in the world. The bond of Christ's love be­ tween all of us at Explo was one of the things that impressed me the most. Being able to talk to anyone because you had one thing in common—a love for Jesus— singing together with thousands of Chris­ tians. and just seeing the masses of people who shared your faith in Jesus Christ—this was what was so fantastic about Explo. Monday night I just couldn't express my­ self— I was so excited! I wrote in huge capi­ tal letters in mv notebook: " GREAT. MAN. JUST GREAT! IT'S UNBELIEVABLE! IT'S EXPLO! " It was that way throughout the week. It seemed that everything wonderful was hitting me at once and I didn't know what to do. At night after talking and writing letters 1 would stay awake til about two o'clock trying to record my impressions in my notebook. On Tuesday I wrote: "Suddenly hit me...if God's working here the Devil must be too...we'd better pray..." I wrote down some of my thoughts after participating in the almost riotous demon­ strations of praising the Lord in the Cotton Bowl on Tuesday night. "The most important thing is that Jesus is real to you. that you are controlled by him and have his love, if not. all this is meaning­ less. Oh God. I pray that following Jesus Christ will not become just a fad here in Explo. We pray that each person will bring only honour to your name." Of the Cotton Bowl meeting I wrote: "Exciting... huge... masses... hordes... people... lights... reporters... JESUS CHRIST ABOVE ALL." At our conference site we heard some really great speakers. Bill Stewart, one of the Campus Crusade staff, talked on the fill­ ing of the Holy Spirit. One speaker made a statement that really hit me. He said. " The THE MESSENGER

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Christian life is not only hard to live...it is impossible.” And it is! Christ is the only one who can live it, through us. Josh McDowell, whom we heard Tuesday afternoon at the State Fair Park, gave the clearest, straightest talk on love, sex, and dating that I've ever heard. At the end of his talk 30,000 kids gave him a standing ovation. We heard Billy Graham and Bill Bright every night at the meetings in the Cotton Bowl. On Friday night Billy Graham spoke on the cross that the Christian had to bear —the hardships involved in surrendering your life to God. He was not trying to con anybody into following Jesus. And yet, at the end of his message, when he asked all who were willing to give their lives up for Jesus to stand, I did not see a single person who remained seated. Just the thought of it almost stunned me. Imagine what Christ could do with 85,000 people who were com­ pletely given to him. And this is only a small percentage of the Christians in the world. If every single person who believed in Jesus Christ would share his faith with those he met, think what an impact that would make on the entire world! Everyone would know that Jesus Christ was alive and well and powerful. Wednesday afternoon we went out shar­ ing in groups of three. Twelve of us rode in a blue Dodge half-ton truck to a sophisti­ cated part of Dallas to do some door-to-door sharing. It was a new experience for me, but it was wonderful. In our group, John was from Sacramento, California, Diana was from Pennsylvania, and I was from Mani­ toba. We all had different religious back­ grounds but we all had the same Jesus. Thursday night at the Cotton Bowl the sky suddenly became dark and it started to rain. It poured. The field of the stadium, where about five thousand kids were sitting, was covered with about two inches of water. Most of us stayed in spite of the downpour. Our theme at Explo was "You can't make it so rough for me that I can’t praise God ” and here we reasoned, “When you’re this wet you can’t get any wetter.” In other words "Why complain?” I wrote: “God sent rain. We all praised Him for it. It was wonderful. Everyone was smiling. Sign on scoreboard: PROGRAM WILL GO ON AS SCHEDULED. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! (As this flashed on the cheers were deafening.) At the end the sun’s rays came out from behind the clouds which became brilliantly pink and gold.” The most impressive part of the week was the candlelight service on Friday night. We had each been given a candle and, after it got dark, all the lights in the stadium were turned off. In each section one person’s candle was lit and as we softly sang “Pass It On” the candlelight was spread from person to person. Finally the whole July 14,1972

stadium glowed with thousands of flickering little lights. Explo had to end at last. It ended with the big Jesus Music Festival on Saturday. People poured in at the rate of 10.000 per hour to hear singers such as Larry Norman, Danny Lee and the Children of Truth, Johnny Cash and others and to experience the excite­ ment of Christ’s love. The Festival was located in a meadow at the outskirts of town and people were packed together so closely on the grass that in order to leave we had to practically walk on a layer of people. On our last day at Dallas I wrote: "The week is about over. I am almost crying. I don't believe I will ever experience anything like this again before we all meet in heaven...! can still hear the echoing of all those voices shouting "Praise the Lord” and "Amen" A hundred thousand fingers resolutely pointing toward the sky..." But it isn't over. Jesus Christ is still alive and through the power of the Holy Spirit 1 can share Him and His love with others, which is what Explo was all about in the first place.

Beverley Plett Portage la Prairie. Manitoba

Last Call

Steeprock Youth Retreat Date: August 4th at 5 p.m. — August 7 breakfast Place: Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, Mafeking, Man. Cost: $5.00 Ages: 15 and up

Camp Staff includes: Speaker — Henry Klassen, returned missionary Sports director: Glen Koop, Winnipeg pastor

Mail your letter stating your intention to come to: Edwin Friesen Box 13 Hudson Bay, Sask.

news/scope HELMUT AND LYDIA DOERKSEN and their three children returned June 2 to Canada from their third term of service with Mennonite Central Committee in Switzerland. They will be spending a year of furlough in Canada. Their address is 2943 Palm Crescent. Clearbrook. B.C. The Doerksens have spent nine years at the Bienenberg. where he serves as a teacher in the Bible school and Lydia assists in the domestic department of the school. Additionally. Helmut maintains con­ tact with ministers and other Chris­ tians in East European socialist countries through personal visits and other means.

EVANGELISM is the first priority for the United Church today, ac­ cording to its chief executives, the senior secretaries. A list of priorities set by the secretaries was put before the Executive of General Council which received the report and agreed with the direction in which the se­ cretaries were moving. After evangelism, other priori­ ties were: Education for Christian living; World Christian witness and service; Action in social issues; New commitment in stewardship: Communication and interpreta­ tion: Training and support of per­ sonnel: Implications of "region­ alism”; Efficiency of administra­ tion. SCHOLARS HERE BELIEVE they have located an older text than has been formerly known of a firstcentury nonbiblical document that mentions Jesus. The potential importance of the discovery involves the interest of some scholars in findinga secular source containing information on the life of Jesus. Professor Shlomo Pines of He­ brew University has reported find­ inga tenth-century Arabic manu­ script by an obscure Christian bishop containing a version of a passage attributed to Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian.

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LOOKING INTO THE STEINBACH BIBLE INSTITUTE --•A. - -J

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Seen here is Miss Joan Hildebrand receiving an award from faculty mem­ ber Bill Thiessen for her faithful ef­ forts as editor of the 1972 Star. The drawings backgrounding the picture are the talented work of Linda Neu­ feld. high school student. Sitting behind the pulpit and chairing the occasion is Myron Henschel, first year Bible School student. The oc­ casion for taking the snap was our annual graduation banquet. June 22. 1972. This portrays also the varied student involvement in numerous activities not directly related to

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classes. The privilege of attending a private residence school such as S.B.I. makes many such experiences very valuable and spiritually up­ lifting. If you come to S.B.I. this fall, come to study and along with that you will get many extras. Inter­ action among students and staff is encouraged and expected. As you get to know others in this setting and appreciate it, you get a sense of security and acceptance you had likely not known before, Try coming. You'll have no regrets.

Secretary-Receptionist Required for MCC (Manitoba) office — Beginning date September 1, 1972 — Salary negotiable — All Applications must be in by August 1, 1972.

For more information and application forms contact: Arthur Driedger Executive Director Mennonite Central Committee (Manitoba) 101 - 1483 Pembina Highway

Phone 284-1402

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THE NATION'S NUMBER ONE DRUG PROBLEM is alcoholism, according to a new government report. A total of 9.6 million Americans are alcoholics, the study shows, and the economy is drained of $15 billion in revenue each year be­ cause of liquor. The director of the National In­ stitute on Alcohol Abuse and Al­ coholism, Dr. Morris Chafetz, said the alcohol-abuse problem dwarfs that of heroin or any other drug, but "American society and most of the health professions conscious­ ly push alchol problems under the rug. Alcoholism is mistakenly look­ ed upon as a character deficiency instead of as a treatable illness.” he said. The public has been preoccu­ pied with the Skid Row alcoholics, who make up no more than three to five per cent of the total prob­ lem. Dr. Chafetz said. "I do not for a moment want to suggest that these people be for­ gotten," he said, "but I do want to suggest that we start focusing our diagnostic and treatment programs on the larger part of the alcoholic population — that part that comes closest to home, the part that touches every socio-economic and cultural level in the United States." An analysis of drinkers based on religious groups stated that Jews and Episcopalians had higher pro­ portions of drinkers than any other group, but they had relatively low proportions of heavy drinkers.

THE NEWLY AMALGAMATED bookstore of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and the General Conference Mennonite Church has announced a change of name. The new name will be Fellowship Bookcenter. The name originally chosen was Life Books. The change was necessitated by the action of the Manitoba Business Names Registration Branch. Life Books did not meet all of the requirements outlined by the Registration Act.

Coming July 23. at the Aberdeen E.M. church in Winnipeg the farewell and commis­ sioning for Dr. and Mrs Ron Loewen going to Somalia under M.C.C. THE MESSENGER

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witfl the churches Pictured here are; Is. Reimer (deacon), bap­ tismal candidates Ger­ ald Heinrichs, Norma Reimer and Vernon Reimer and Menno Kroeker, pastor.

FISHER BRANCH Guest speakers at our baptismal service on May 28 were Rev. P. L. Friesen of Rose­ nort and Rev. John P. Loewen of Blumenort. Another blessing was the Communion service which we had later that afternoon. On May 30th Dan and Norma Koop gave us a challenging report of the Lord's work in Japan. The slides and articles they showed were very interesting as well. A baby boy was born to David and Kathy Siemens of Lac du Bonnet on June 4th. He is a grandson to Tony Kornelsens and is named Curtis Wade. Earl, one and a half year old son of Cecil Fasts, accidentally received a cut to his fore­ head while playing on June 6. He was taken to the doctor for a few stitches and is doing well now. The Menno Kroeker family left for Michigan to attend a Sunday School cur­ riculum planning convention, in mid June. On June 18 Rev. Melvin Penner of Blu-

menort reported of the spiritual work at La Crete. Alberta. A quartet from Blumenort was in attendance as well. Thank you to each one of the visitors. Elvin Reimer graduated from the S.B.I. on June 25th. Elvin has been appointed by the G.M.U, to pastor the Hodgson cha­ pel. Elvin and Tina and family expect to move to Hodgson shortly. Bernie Dueck graduated from the Red River Community College on June 28. Ber­ nie and Marie now have moved to Fisher Branch and are residing in Clarence Plett's house. Welcome home! Recent ministers serving us in our morn­ ing worship service were: Rev. Johnny Loewen of Rosenort and Rev. John K. Reimer of Winnipeg. The Isaac Reimers had a family reunion in the North Kildonan Park on July 3. The Ed Friesens of Hudson Bay and Walter Reimers of Burns Lake. B.C. also attended.

ROSENORT __The youth choir favoured us with a Mother's Day program at our morning service on May 14. Rev. Johnny Loewen spoke on the theme "Behold Thy Mother", John 9:27. May 21. John Wieler, associate executive secretary of MCC. gave a pictorial report on India. East Pakistan and Bangladesh where he had been recently. Henry and Marie Dueck. houseparents at 900 Gros­ venor Place. Winnipeg also reported. This is a probation hostel operated by MCC. Our ladies fellowship had invited the ladies from Rosenort Fellowship Chapel, Morris Fellowship, and Pleasant Valley for a grocery shower for the Frank Kroekers on June 6. Betty Friesen related some of the duties and experiences that she has as a district health nurse. Justina Brandt reported on her work in Mexico and the July 14,1972

many opportunities she has to witness for the Lord. Later we served a lunch after which Marge opened her many gifts. Rev. Gladwin Plett challenged the young people about V.B.S. and camp work on June 11. The topic of the evening was "The Hidden View." Quite a number have responded. The wedding of Larry Kornelson and Gwyn Friesen took place on June 24 at the Baptist church. Rev. D. K. Friesen, father of the bride, officiated. Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Peter L. Loewen who had open house on June 18. the occasion being their 40th wedding an­ niversary. The youth choir enjoyed a wiener roast at the Rosenort Centennial Park recently. On June 25 at our morning service we were happy to have Rev. Alvin Doerksen and a Japanese lady and her daughter.

Mitzie, present the work of the Japan Evangelical Mission. Mitzie favoured us with several solos. On June 25 Rev. Frank Kroeker announc­ ed the intention of marriage of ’ their daughter Judith to David Schmidt. The wedding date is July 8. David's parents. Dr. and Mrs John R. Schmidt (missionaries to Paraguay) have arrived here for the wedding. In the evening of the 25th the Kroekers gave an illustrated report of their work on the mission field. We especially enjoyed their singing as a whole family, accompan­ ied by guitars. Due to the illness of Mr Jake K. Friesen we were in need of song leaders. At a re­ cent members' meeting Lome Kornelson and Menno Reimer were elected. May the Lord give them joy in this important service. Hilda Friesen who has been teaching in Newfoundland under the MCC has returned home. Mr and Mrs Jake Kroeker, Mexico arriv­ ed here June 29 for a short furlough. A grocery shower was held for them at our ladies' meeting on July 4. Bertha also gave a brief report. We want to do our part as we have these missionaries with us that they might be spiritually and physically refreshed. TREESBANK

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble". Psalm 46:1. Rev. C. P. Dueck and Mrs Pat Reimer spent some time in the Brandon hospital, both undergoing surgery. They are home now. on the way to recovery. On May 22 we were blessed by having communion service with Rev. Frank D. Reimer as guest speaker. The weekend of June 23 we were privileg­ ed to have the ministerial meeting in our church. Since our chapel is small, meals were served in the Treesbank Community Hall, We certainly enjoyed having you all out for this occasion. Mr and Mrs Frank Thiessen flew to God's Narrows to visit their children, Don­ ald and Minna and little Mark. A farewell for Erna Plett was held in church on June 18. She left the same week for Germany, and is by now stationed at the children s home. Our prayers are going

with you, Erna, and may God richly bless you there. Mr and Mrs Peter P. D. Reimer were "home " for a few days last week. They cleaned up their belongings by having an auction sale on June 24. Their house is also sold and has been moved to Killarney. A group of four men, John Plett, Wilmer Brandt, Erwin Plett, and Melvin Plett spent one week at Rapid City, helping in the clean-up work. Mr Alvin Doerksen and two Japanese Page 9


ladies were in our midst on June 26, giving reports and also a very interesting film. Julia Friesen is working for the Canadian Sunday School Mission this summer. She plans to do counselling work at Gimli. Mr and Mrs Reynold Reimer have moved to Winnipeg, where Reynold is taking a course in carpentry. Rev. and Mrs Harry Friesen visited our district on June 18. Mr Friesen served us in the morning worship service. Mr and Mrs Ron Koop have temporarily moved to Niverville where Ron plans to do a plumbing job in a school. A barbecue was held in their honor in the spacious back yard of Mr and Mrs Peter D. Friesen. A hearty welcome goes out to Neil and Annette Friesen who have moved into our midst. They have their trailer situated on their parents' farm.

CREIGHTON Greetings from the Northern Fellowship Chapel. We feel very privileged to have had special speakers in for the last five Sundays, Rev. Henry Klassen, Mr and Mrs Abe Leiding, youth pastor of Swift Cur­ rent, Rev. and Mrs Dan Koop and family from Japan, missionaries Mr and Mrs Wil­ bert Friesen, and Rev. and Mrs Elmer Hamm from Wymark. Sask. They all pre­ sented slides of the interesting work that they are involved in and challenged us with some heart-warming sermons. June 25 Rev. Otto Hamm was unable to come for the Sunday services. We are still praying and waiting for a pastor here. Mrs Shirley Koop is now on Cradle Roll with Mrs Anne Rempel. The men and ladies of the church had a clean-up work bee ending with a time of fellowship and wiener roast at the Peter Friesen home. It feels great to have God's house clean, but even more important is for our hearts to be clean. The last few months with revival still continuing, many of us have experienced revival in our lives. June 18 was our annual Sunday School picnic, with the morning service outdoors at Beaver Lake Bible Camp. On June 21 the ladies held a work bee getting everything ready for camp which begins July 3 at Beaver Lake Bible Camp. The ladies held their wind-up meeting June 26, first singing at the General Hos­ pital, then going to Big Island with their husbands joining them for a barbecue as a farewell for Mr and Mrs David Costinack. They are leaving for Steinbach, Manitoba after a one year stay here. For the summer months the teachers of our congregation have left for summer ichool and holidays. The Maurice Meachem family, the Henry Koop family and Mrs Cone and Cathy have gone on holidays. We look forward to many visitors.

Page 10

Baptized in Steinbach on May 28 were the following: left to right Ernie Klassen, Eleanor Hiebert, Netha Dyck, Elma Schroeder, Art Kornelsen and Ernie Koop.

RIDGEWOOD On June 4 the church gathered at the Blumenort school grounds for the annual Sun­ day School picnic. Everyone enjoyed a bar­ becue dinner. Later there was some sing­ ing and some physical exercise in the form of baseball and volleyball. It is travelling time again. Some folks are leaving while others are coming home again. Tony Hieberts went to Rapid City, South Dakota under Mennonite Dis­ aster Service, leaving July 1. I am sure this will prove to be a challenging experience. Don Thiessens are again with us after a term of teaching at God's Narrows. Good to see you back! Diana Plett was home for a week from God's Narrows. The Sunday night services have again started in the Falcon Lake Catholic church. The first group went out on July 2. Rev. Klaas Unger brought the message and a duet rendered the special numbers. There had been a good turn-out. Good News □ubs in Carrick and Sandilands have stop­ ped for the summer months. A camp for the extension children is planned for the first week in August. Let us remember to pray for this venture. On June 10 Delbert Reimer and Romelda Penner were joined in holy matrimony. We wish them the Lord's blessing. MRS HELENA SCHELLENBERG 1879 - 1972 Mrs Helena Schellenberg was born at Steinbach, Manitoba, on May 13, 1879, to Mr and Mrs Johann Reimer. She passed away at the Rest Haven after some years of de­ clining health, on June 22. 1972 at 9:00 p.m. She reached the age of 93 years, one month and nine days. Her early life was spent in Steinbach which were truly pioneer years, as the settlement was just a few years old. In June of 1898 she was baptized upon confession of her faith by the late Rev. Abram R. Dueck. and received as a mem­ ber of the Kleinegemeinde church. That same year, on November 21, she was joined in her marriage to Jacob E. Schellenberg. This union lasted for 46 years, when father

passed away on September 25. 1943. She lived another 29 years in widowhood, of which more than twenty years were spent at the Rest Haven Nursing Home. Her life has been one of many hardships. Father was away much of the time which left mother to bring up a large family. They have moved frequently, having resided at Steinbach, Lannigan, Saskatchewan, Kleefeld and again at Steinbach, In spite of the many hardships, mother maintained a cheerful and buoyant spirit. Her heart was filled with song and she expressed her faith in God in this way. The concern for the spiritual welfare of her children and grand­ children increased as she grew older and she often expressed her deep burden for us. Fifteen children were born to our par­ ents, of which two daughters and one son died in infancy and a son Henry at the age of she. She was also predeceased in recent years by three sons and one daughter, John of Steinbach, Peter of Chicago, Otto of Princeton, B,C., Helen, Mrs Henry D. Fast of Steinbach, She is further predeceased by six brothers, two in childhood, and seven sisters, one in childhood, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. Surviving her are: Elizabeth. Mrs John Toews of Steinbach. Katherine. Mrs Isaac Bergen of Sanford. Frank. Edmonton. Al­ berta. Bernhard, Kleefeld, Jacob, Ohio, .Mary, Mrs John J, G. Friesen, Steinbach, Esther, Mrs Bill Hastman, Oakbank, She further leaves 41 grandchildren, 73 great­ grandchildren, five great-great grandchild­ ren, one brother. Rev. Peter J. B. Reimer, two sisters, Mrs Susan Greening, Sara, Mrs Peter D, Kroeker. We wish to give special recognition to the staff of the Rest Haven who have given mother such compassionate care during these many years. Rev. Jacob P. Dueck and Rev. John R. Friesen have ministered often and well to her spiritual needs. We acknow­ ledge these personal services and can only say, “Thank You ", God reward you for it. We thank our blessed Lord for keeping her through life and rejoice in the hope that she is with the Lord, forever released from all pain and tears. The Family

THE MESSENGER


BIRTHS OBITUARY OF FRANK WIEBE, late of 32362 Diamond Crescent, Qearbrook, B.C.

It has pleased our Lord to take my be­ loved husband, and father of our children, from our side. Even though it hurts, and we would so much like to have him with us, I try to say with the patriarch of old, “The Lord has given, the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD." Frank was born to the Jacob J. Wiebes on October 19, 1925, in the Altona area, of Manitoba. He had his schooling there, and also grew to manhood there. At 21, as a young man, he started in construction work. In 1949 he was baptized, and joined the Sommerfelder church. On October 19, 1958 we were married in the village of Schoenfeld, a few miles west of Wymark, in Saskatchewan. Here we liv­ ed till the fall of 1969. Frank became well known as a grain buyer, his vocation till we moved to B.C. in August of 1969. The last years Frank worked on construction as a carpenter. He passed away on the job shortly before 11 a.m. on June 28. Even though he had been ailing with a heart condition since about a year after we came to B.C., and had received doctor's treat­ ment and medicine for his heart condition, his passing away so suddenly with a heart attack came as a surprise to us. Frank must have feared or even possibly expected this. He was much concerned lately not only about his own life, that it would please the Lord, but also that of his friends.

We were able to share our joys and sor­ rows for some 13‘/a years. Three sons and one daughter were born to us. Frank was predeceased by his father in 1953, and by his mother in 1965. One of his sisters died in infancy. He leaves to mourn his passing; me, his wife, three sons, Leo­ nard, age 12, Lyle 10 and Harold 8. One daughter, Noreene, aged 3 one brother, Jake of Calgary, Alberta; four sisters: Eva, Mrs Henry Friesen of Sanford, Betty Mrs Pete Knelsen of Winnipeg; Helen. Mrs Jake Neufeld, of Winnipeg; Jessie, Mrs Jake Braun of Winnipeg, all in Manitoba, and a host of other relatives and friends, Frank reached the age of 46 years, 8 months and 9 days. We sorrow not as those who have no hope, but look forward to the glorious reunion when the Lord comes for His own. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 4 from the Peardonville Fellowship Chapel, Rev. Ben Reimer officiating. In­ terment followed in the Mennonite section of Hazelwood cemetery.

July 14,1972

To Mr and Mrs George Wiens, Pansy, a daughter Laura May, on May 17. SETTING THE CAPTIVE FREE To Mr and Mrs Harry Funk, Pansy, a “He knoweth the way that I take. . ." Job son Myron Paul, on June 11. 23:10. To Mr and Mrs Tony Tesarski, Pansy, I wculd like to share with you some things a daughter Shannon Jane, on June 21. that have been going on in my life. There are many things I could tell you about the way the devil sent his demons to me. I had been demon oppressed for many years, MCC TRAINEE PROGRAM AT but did not tell anyone.,1 was in the hospi­ EDEN MENTAL HEALTH CENTRE tal for some time for other illnesses but God healed me in a wonderful way; we praise God for it. I want to thank you for praying for me-and this demon oppression. I called five ministers to come and pray for me and what a wonderful miracle God did right there in taking that demon oppres­ sion away. It is wonderful to be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and I am exceedingly thankful that God has graciously led me to a saving faith in Christ. In the Word of God the Lord has pro­ mised that anyone who believes in His only begotten Son. the Lord Jesus Christ, receives forgiveness, eternal life, and en­ ters into the Kingdom of God. God has done this for me entirely of His own gracious kindness, in spite of the fact that I am un­ worthy as is every other person. Lidia Wall came to us from Curitiba. God gives us, who believe in Christ, a daily Brazil, where she is a member of the personal experience which is convincing evidence of the reality of the new life in Mennonite Brethren Church. Her pre­ Christ. I find that God changed my life and vious six months in the trainee pro­ gave me victory over the evil weakness of gram were spent at the home of the my human nature. I have found by exper­ Elvin Bylers at Lancaster. Of special in­ ience that God gives joy. peace of mind, terest to Lidia while she was in Canada, and absolute assurance for the future. It was our variety of Mennonite churches is not given to us to see into the future ex­ and conferences. cept as it is revealed in the Bible, and therefore as a Christian. I am dependent on God and with all other believers have absolute confidence that God goes with me and will not fail me nor forsake me (Matt. 28:16 to 20; Heb. 13: 5, 6). Anyone who has this confidence can face the future without fear, worry, or doubt. Certainly I have every reason to be thankful to God. The blessings which I have received are available to anyone who will trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. To most people the Gos­ pel of Christ appears to be foolish, and while they understand what the words mean in a purely intellectual sense, they do not apply these words to themselves.

I hope that some who read this will under­ stand that my experience has been real. I have taken at His word the omnipotent God who controls the universe, and who so loved us He gave His only begotten Son for us, that we, believing in Him, might not perish, but have life everlasting. Jacob Klassen 1849 Alexander Ave. Winnipeg, Man. -.Vil

-Wifeand|^21iic;r» tV31 IirAOJI

Esther Gerber came to us from Mut­ tenz, Switerland and is a member of the Schaenzli Mennonite Church at Basel. Prior to coming to Winkler, she spent six months with the Dr. J. Zimmerlys in Jackson. Ohio. Esther is im­ pressed with the face and friendly style of living in North America as compared to the reserved style in Europe.

Page 11


Key '73: What is it? A tremendous evangelistic effort is being pro­ jected by over one hundred religious groups and organizations in America and Canada to be realiz­ ed during the year 1973 and to be known as Key 73. Some may ask, "How did the name Key 73 be­ come attached to this endeavor?" The answer is simple. The first meeting of concerned church­ men who gathered to consider an overall thrust in evangelism in North America took place in 1967 near the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Arlington, Virginia. Why "73?" Because the original planners felt that at least six years of preparation would be necessary. The plans call for a gigantic offensive in which every person in North America will be challenged with the claims of Jesus Christ. It was readily recognized by the leaders of Key 73 from its inception that this great evangelistic effort could not succeed unless people in the pews became deeply committed to its goals. These are the people whom Hendrik Kraemer refers to as the "frozen credits" of the church. More than 99 per cent of the world's Christians are in this cate­ gory. No massive movement in evangelism can be envisioned without their involvement and co­ operation. They are one of the greatest untapped spiritual resources in the world. Key 73 carries the vision of every unchurched family in North America being visited by some­ one who comes with loving concern to share his faith in Christ. Every individual (whether he lives in the inner city, the suburbs, or rural areas) is to be contacted. These calls will be a person-to-person sharing with some 165 million people. Key 73 will also include an effort to place the Christian Scriptures in every North American household. Thousands of prayer groups will be started with one specific purpose in mind — the raising up by God of plentiful workers for his vast harvest fields (Matthew 9:38). The "key” to Key 73 is the man in the pew work­ ing at the congregational and community level. The work must be done where he is. The over­ whelming need is not necessarily for greatly tal­ ented people (although the Lord can use any talent we possess), but for greatly committed people. Using as an overall theme, CALLING OUR CON­ TINENT TO CHRIST, the program of Key 73 is being organized into six phases. 1. Calling our Continent to Repentance and Pray­ er 2. Calling our Continent to the Word of God 3. Calling our Contenent to the Resurrection 4. Calling our Continent to New Life

5. Calling our Continent to the Proclamation 6. Calling our Continent to Commitment. Congregations may utilize this program in the way which best suits their own needs and pur­ poses. Resources for the development of each phase will be made available to any congregation which asks for them. Talk in Christian circles in North America has been going on for a decade or more about church members getting out of the comfortable pews. Thousands of small groups have been meeting to discuss the Scriptures and pray. Where should this emphasis upon Christian renewal lead us? Where else, except to a ministry to the lost, bring­ ing to them the reality of forgiveness and new abundant life in Jesus Christ. To whom are we going to reach out? Let us con­ centrate first of all on the three out of four homes in our ov/n neighborhood which are a mission field. Let church calendars be revised so congre­ gational leaders have some time to visit in these homes for Christ. Another way we can reach out is to teach chil­ dren. In the three-out-of-four mission-field homes in this continent are millions of young people. We should probably start 100.000 new Bible classes in North America tomorrow. The bottle­ neck of such a venture is often at the teaching level. Thousands of Christians who have been at­ tending Bible classes for decades should be grad­ uated, so as to serve as teachers and missionaries to children. The signs of the times today are unmistakable. Millions of North Americans have lost interest in a rampant materialism. The Jesus Movement among young people bespeaks a heartfelt spiri­ tual need. Talk is increasing about the possibility of a Third Great Awakening. We may be on the verge of it. God has always been ready for men to turn away from sin a nd back to Him. Where can He find spokesmen on His behalf to inform men of this fact? There are many potential spokes­ men in the pews of every congregation. God's spirit is constantly ready to empower us to do His will, so let us seek His help and move out of the pew into the fields which are ripe for harvest. Paul Benjamin / Lincoln Christian / Seminary

y

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THE MESSENGER

NVIl an3i331S NOllIR 1SV3


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