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June 29,1973
Vol. 11
No. 13
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Thirty-three graduate at Steinbach Bible Institute BIBLE DEPARTMENT
Back row—left to right: Myron Henschel, River Hills, Man. Jasch Giesbrecht, Paraguay Dick Harms, Aylmer, Ont, Art Koop, Blumenort, Man. Marvin Plett, Arborg, Man. Centerrow: Nettie Brandt, Giroux, Man. Trudy Froese, Swift Current, Sask. Wyonne Burkholder, Bluesky, Alta. Anne Koop, Landmark, Man. Maria Kolioot, Steinbach, Man. Erma Kroeker, Riverton, Man. Myrna Koop, Blumenort, Man. Frontrow: Carolyn Loewen, Gouldtown, Sask. Grace Thiessen, Riverton, Man. Hope Eidse, Zaire Helen Fehr, Burns Lake, B.C. Betty Friesen, Morris, Man. Pat Stoesz, Niverville, Man. HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Baek row—left to right; Coleman Ho, Hong Kong Murray Doerksen, Winnipeg, Man. Franklin Wai, Hong Kong Roy Loewen, Giroux, Man. Norman Chan, Hong Kong Center row: Christine Mak, Hong Kong Verna Hildebrand, Morris, Man. Marion Reimer, Ste. Anne, Man. June Barkman. Steinbach, Man. Karen Reimer, Giroux, Man.
First row: Hope Eidse, Zaire Sharon Barkman, Steinbach, Man. Mary Anne Reimer. Winkler, Man. Elizabeth Reimer, Ste. Anne, Man. Emily Fast, Blumenort, Man. Eleanor Reimer, Steinbach, Man.
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Mrs Klippenstein is a free lance writer,
XI _____ xL— -4 the mother of 4-... four children. Her k..e. hus band Larry is an instructor at Elim Christian Education Centre, Altona, Manitoba.^
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(Welcome
to the WORLD, Littlest Angel by LaVerna Klippenstein
The author, Mrs Klippenstein, with Littlest Angel now two. ■
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21. wcc coo came from the crib just now. As I bent over it, our Littlest Angel looked up at me and beamed. No stomach spasm prompted that smile. Nor was it simply a reflex motion. It was a genuinely joyous wide-mouthed reponse to his awareness of me. I'm the happiest mother in the world! I wasn't always though. When my teenage friends "ohed " and "ahed" over babies. I determined not to marry before age forty to avoid having children. When I married at 22 and prompt ly became pregnant. I feared that this would be my chronic state. Babies make me feel extremely inadequate and re stricted. So I was immensely relieved when we were finally over the hurdles of colic and croup, bottles and baby shots, diapers and drooling. Life was taking on a measure of pre dictability for us last fall. My husband was in his last year of graduate school and we looked forward to finally settling in a home of our own. During moments of optimism we even spoke of adopting one or several children - once we got settled. With our three children in school and a light teaching load I could enroll in a graduate program also. My application blanks had already arrived. With September, however, I became increasingly uneasy. 1 feared that I was pregnant. There were a dozen reasons why this was the wrong year to have a baby. My husband's PhD exams were due in spring. We anticipated a major move after that. Moving would have to be pre ceded by house-hunting. We had no ma ternity medical insurance. We didn't even know a local doctor. I had long since given away all baby clothes and furni ture. Our church friends here repeatedly spoke of the population problem and the need for Christians to limit family size. Although we didn't share all their views. I had been extremely sensitive to their remarks. What if I were really pregnant? TIED DOWN TILL 60?
I remembered the supportive role of my Goshen doctor during a previous preg nancy. With such encouragement, I thought. I could learn to accept this situa tion now. My grad school application in cluded a medical form, so I contacted a nearby clinic for an appointment. After the routine physical examination the docor said matter - of - factly, "You're pregnant, Mrs Klippenstein. But you can easily get an abortion.” I was stunned! That I was pregnant I had suspected. But had I heard correct ly'.' "Why abortion?" I asked weakly. "Your age." he answered. “Do you want to be tied down till you're sixty? THE MESSENGER
Besides." he added, "you already have delighted with a baby. Perhaps this baby wouldn't be colicky for three months. We three children. " True, there were a dozen reasons why did have some friends who had as many as it was the wrong time for a pregnancy. four children, and some with six or seven. Deep within, however. I knew that to But this doctor knew of none of them. Never before had I met anyone who spoke merely tolerate a situation is not enough. so casually of abortion. "Do you advise Not for a Christian. To simply play the many women to do this?" I wondered Pollyanna Game and remind oneself of how much worse a situation could be was shakily. "Oh. yes." he said, "hundreds." And not the life more abundant which Christ he handed me a slip of paper. "Robert had in mind for us. If "all things work McCoy can make the arrangements for together for good to those who love God." you. He'll send you either to New York or then the circumstances which make an un Mexico. The cost will be $300 and trans planned pregnancy an undesirable one — portation. Think it over. " With that the exactly those negative aspects — could doctor left the room. I crumpled the paper become the redemptive experiences which glorify Him. The question was in my hand. I didn't really want another baby. Es not. Who was responsible? But rather. pecially not now. Had my menstrual What I would do with this experience? period come that day. I would have re This unplanned pregnancy was not a joiced. Admittedly a baby now would be cross to be borne, but could be a glorious an inconvenience. How could anyone opportunity for Christian growth. Was I speak so coldly of doing away with my willing to accept the challenge? unborn child? Anger and resentment at the doctor welled within. And guilt. Ev erything was all wrong: this pregnancy, PARENTS NEED CHILDREN his attitude toward it. If only I could sort things out. More sleepless nights followed. "Fve That afternoon 1 called the Public reached the end of my hoarded resourc Health Nurse and asked her to recom es." I prayed finally. "You take it from mend another doctor. "How do you feel here. God." Marvelously He did! about the pregnancy?" she asked. "Are I began to recognize God's strength you sure you want to go through with it?" carrying me through tedious hours of Go through with it? Legally, there might teaching. My university course require be a choice. Morally, for me. there was ments demanded a discipline which pre not. vented my dwelling unnecessarily on "How I feel." I told Miss Perkins, "is physical discomforts. From an unexpect not the point. My family has a very high ed source came a large sum of money to regard for human life — prenatal and help cover the medical expenses. postnatal." The very congregation which had em I was disturbed. What I needed was phasized Zero Population Growth over someone to remind me that thirty-seven whelmed me with love and generosity at a is not too old to have a child, that others baby shower. Ladies in our neighborhood have managed to move with a new baby, who over the years had remained aloof and that automobiles are greater pollu met for coffee and brought gifts for the tants than people are. I recalled reading baby-to-be. Our tall teenager tackled the "The Late-Hatched Chick " in Christian spring cleaning with a zest normally re Living fifteen years ago. and wished I had served for football alone. A gorgeous ma a copy of the article now. ternity dress arrived anonymously from Dispiritedly. I wrote to my sister. Spir Sears. A friend sent a box of used clothes itedly. she replied. "This is God's will. from her last baby. These experiences He planned this baby for you." Had He were repeated reminders of God's pro really? If God was responsible for my mise to do "exceedingly above " all that I pregnancy was He not also responsible for had asked or thought. the illegitimate babies born in this coun "Parents need children just as much as try? children need parents." says psychologist “No," I reasoned, "God doesn't arbi Arkoff. I know I needed Jerry. Needed trarily hand out babies. " I remembered him now. It was high time that I review our optimism in discussing adoption. ed my priorities and recognized my re "Look at yourself," I told myself wryly. sponsibility to my growing children. "You can't even cheerfully accept your True. I had kept the house clean, enter own baby. How could you ever accept the tained their friends, baked cookies, and child of someone else?" played Scrabble with them, even listened During days of nausea and sleepless to them occasionally. nights, I tried to rationalize my way to a But far too often these were chores to state of tolerance of my situation. My get over so that I could get down to my husband loved me, I told myself, and was primary concerns of studying and teach very supportive. Our children would be ing. To accomplish more. I had set up a
June 29,1973
schedule which allowed little flexibility. I resented guests whose unexpected visits fouled my plans repeatedly. With a new baby I would be a full-time mother again. That role would free me from the selfish competition of a climb up the ladder of my profession. It would make me free to be aware of the subtle needs of my other children, and free to absorb more of their tensions. Instead of restricting me, my unborn baby had already freed me from a mea sure of self-centeredness, and helped me become more open to concerns of others. His presence patiently but persistently drew my attention to glaring inconsis tencies between the ideals I verbalized and the attitudes lurking deep beneath them. LIKE A TONSILLECTOMY
Despite the doctor's prediction that the labor would be long and the delivery dif ficult, I began to look forward to that milestone in this journey of unexpected surprises. May 11 was just a few minutes old when I had a first indication that this was the day. I smiled in the darkness, savoring my knowledge secretly for a few moments. Then I woke my husband. "You may accompany your wife into the delivery room," the nurse told him. "She hasn't even needed a hypo." It was good to be there together — my husband and 1 and God. And then our baby. A deep sense of gratitude flooded my being and my heart sang. "It's a miracle," a nurse said. Wordlessly, I agreed. The next day my roommate was visited by her physician. I blinked in surprise. It was the same doctor who had suggested an abortion for me. What an unusual co incidence! In a large metropolitan hos pital, of all the roommates 1 could have had and of all the doctors she could have had, here was the one whose remarks had triggfjred my turmoil. I cuddled my baby closer as I fought the impulse to tell him that this was the baby who, in his opin ion. need not have been born. June came, and on a glorious Sunday morning I dressed our Littlest Angel for his first church service. My heart pound ed as I found a seat. For there at the front, as the guest speaker of the morning, was the executive director of the Minneapolis Committee for the Legal Termination of Pregnancy. “Abortion". he began, "should be as really available as a ton sillectomy." Almost knowingly the Littlest Angel smiled up at me. My heart nearly burst with joy as I smiled back at him. Wse/Z by permission, CHRISTIAN LIVING Scottdale. Pa
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Edit» ri SI I GOD IS ALIVE
A popular book now in circulation is Hal Lindsey’s SATAN IS ALIVE AND WELL ON PLANET EARTH. I have not read it but according to the review it explores the occult and other-world spiritism, in incredible detail. No one would deny the wiles of the devil, nor his power and strategy. Often though we are ignorant of his devices. Consequently he seeks to wreak havoc in lives of both Christians and non-Christians. But this morning as I browsed through the latest issue of CHRISTIANITY TODAY I could not help but be thrilled at what the Lord is doing on planet earth! And the thought just struck me so forcibly that the Lord also is ALIVE AND WELL ON PLANET EARTH! Here are some of my reasons for saying this. Billy Graham in Seoul, Korea May 30 to June 3 drew, what has been termed, the largest gathering in church history when Korean organizers estimated that 3.2 million came to the five meetings including over one million at the closing Sunday afternoon gathering. Also in the two weeks preceding the crusade nearly 40,000 Christians from 6,142 churches distributed Christian liter ature to every home in Seoul (population 6.6 million). “Christian leaders in Korea saw the spring evangelistic effort as a landmark in the nation’s history,” stated the report. This again points out that though there may be nothing happening in our small corner, the Spirit of God may be moving mightily in another part of the small world. Another movement of the Spirit we need to be made aware of, if we are not already, is the spiritual revival in the Catholic church. In the same issue of Christianity Today already mentioned in an article, “The Spirit is Moving”, giving an account of revival in the Roman Catholic church. “Tens of thousands of Catholics around the world,” says the report, “are saying they now have a personal relationship with Christ they never had before, and they are studying Scripture on a scope unprecedented in Catholic history.” In greater detail was described the events of the seventh annual charismatic renewal conference at Notre Dame Uni versity where 20,000 gathered on the first weekend of this month. Another thing which comes to mind are the Institutes on Basic Youth Conflicts under the direction of Bill Gothard where thousands of Christians are seeking new meaning to life. Other movements could be mentioned which are making a terrific impact on the life of the church. Campus Crusade is drawing thousands and inspiring many to a new and fuller life and commitment to Christ. Their emphasis on soul winning and being filled with the Spirit was long overdue in the church. Why an agency outside the church has to arise and do this is an example, that maybe unknowingly, the church does not always have its ear to the ground.
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Neither is it now necessary that an outside agency do this. The church could just as well, and better, do this. Or in the words of Billy Graham, “If every Christian did his duty I would be out of business.” Meaning that the Christians would do the evangelizing and there would be no need for mass rallies and crusades. Even though we may not hear much anymore of the re vival movement which swept western Canada in 1971-72 yet the movement is continuing to make strides. This from the June 1973 issue of REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP NEWS. “It is thrilling indeed to see thousands in Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, and countless other places pro foundly changed from self-centered, idle Christian living, into vibrant. Spirit-filled, heaven-motivated Christians. Hundreds of laymen around the world are effectively ‘telling the News’ and winning souls for the first time in their lives... ” (Ralph and Louis Sutera) REVIVAL FELLOWSHIP NEWS reports that growth of this newsletter in the last year and a half has been “phe nomenal ” — from 350 copies to 17,000 without solicitation of subscription. Yes, God is also alive and at work on planet earth! We need not fear for Him. (The newsletter mentioned is available from Canadian Revival Fellowship, Box 584, Regina, Sask. S4P 3A3.) Write for it in order to keep in touch with revival news. Heartening also are the reports of Barry Moore crusades held recently in India, etc. Listen any Sunday morning to the Janz Team broadcast and usually there will be reports of their crusades in Europe which are also optimistic. We can also go to our own fields. In La Paz, Nicaragua (see MESSENGER No. 12) in one day there were added to the church eight members, more than doubling the previous membership of six. Eleven individuals made a profession of faith at a recent campaign. From Africa (Zaire) comes this word from veteran mis sionary Levi Keidel: “Current possibilities are great. There is still a ready response to the gospel. Seldom does one preach an evangel istic service to a large village public without someone re sponding for Christ. Kabamba preached at three open-air market meetings on a recent weekend, and 37 came to get right with God. During two weeks of meetings conducted by Evangelist Kabangu Labadi in the western part of our field, over 1,000 made first-time decisions for Christ. Pastor Kuamba Luboya daily teaches Bible in the public school. Recently he gave an invitation to his classroom, and sixty children aged ten to fifteen raised their hands wanting to ac cept Jesus. Rev. Makanzu Mavulimusa, national co-ordinator of evangelism, writes in an open letter to Zaire missionaries, ‘If you came here to preach the gospel, why should you now pack your suitcases to go home? Nowhere in this country is it forbidden to preach the gospel.’ Immediate possibilities are great. ” Maybe not as much in the limelight, yet nevertheless a movement which is making a profound impact on many hearts is what is known as the East Africa revival movement or here in Canada as Fellowship Groups. The emphasis is on holiness and openness. When I hear of these things I am thrilled. It lifts my spirits. God is alive and well on planet earth. The next news of awakening might be from where I am living. —D.S. THE MESSENGER
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Mission-Grams Missionary Arrivals; June 18 the Ben Eidses arrived here from Zaire. June 20, the John Dyck family from Germany came home for a brief furlough. June 21, Linda Penner, Blumenort; Martha Kroeker, Morris and Doris Thiessen, Mennville, arrived by car from Mexico. Coming home from British Honduras, is Helen Kornelsen. Giroux. Man. Bible School in Paraguay Bible school started the 15th of May. At the present we have 19 pupils attending. These come from four different mission stations, and represent four different tribes of Indians. Subjects instructed are New and Old Testament, Music, Spanish, homi letics, reading, writing, arithmetic, and also cooking and sewing for the women. The Indians show great interest in most of the subjects, and already we see some spiritual growth. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit may continue to work in the lives of these young people. — John J. Doerksen
Trinidad We are involved, primarily, in two different ministries. One is at camp where we are now in the midst of making preparations for the summer camps. There are a total of approximately 500 campers who will be directly confronted with the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in the months of July and August. The other is in Maracas where we are now in the midst of a church building program. — Joe and Olga Reimer Prayer Requests from Wayne Herrods in Kenya 1. Pray that God will lead us triumphantly into a new area near the Sudan border. 2. Need for God-called evangelists in all centre in Qurbana. 3. Irrigation venture.
MISSIONARY ITINERARIES
The following dates have been confirmed for John Dycks, Germany and Larry McNeills, Mali. John Dycks: July 8 (morning) Steinbach July 22 (7:00) Braeside
Larry McNeills: July 8 (morning) Braeside July 29 Steinbach Churches have received notices on the availability for meetings of the above two couples as well as that of Ed Friesens, Mexico; Doris Thiessen, Mexico; Martha Kroeker, Mexico and Helen Kornelsen, British Honduras. May this serve as a reminder to make arrangements as soon as possible for any meet ings you are planning for this summer. E.M.C. Board of Missions Box 1268. Steinbach, Man. ROA 2AO - Tel. 326-6401
At a home construction site in Mana gua, former MCC Nicaragua Director Roman Gingerich (wearing suit) spends a final moment in discussion with his successor Robert Miller (second from right) from Ft. Wayne, IN, and Robert Friesen, a community development worker from Goshen, IN.
GRANT EXTENDS NICARAGUA WORK
A new director, new finances, and new commitment mark Mennonite Central Committee’s work in Nicaragua. Lilly Endowment. Inc., a corporation with major interests in education, reli gion and community services, granted $50,000 to MCC for community develop ment, housing construction and admin istrative costs in Nicaragua. The grant means that MCC/MDS volunteers will not terminate this June but continue work in Nicaragua through August, 1974. Robert Miller, Ft. Wayne, IN, succeed ed Roman Gingerich as director of Nica ragua programs in mid-May. Part of the Lilly grant will be used for the continuation of existing programs in community development and housing. MCC community development promoters are presently involved with 14 child feed ing stations. The workers also promote a basic education program for children and adults. They help persons secure small loans to re-establish small home indus tries and to construct or repair homes. Two temporary houses are being built each day by a hired crew of eight Nicara guans. A smaller team repairs damaged homes. MDSers Lester Kropf, Albany, OR, and A. K. Wiebe, Abbotsford, B.C., supervise the crews. By early April they had built 45 homes and repaired 40. Lilly money will help continue the housing program beyond September 1,1973.
THE MESSENGER. Published every other week by Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Board of Education and Publication, Box 1268, Steinbach, Manitoba. Second Class Mail. Registration Number 0591. Undeliverable copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be mailed to the above address.
June 29,1973
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The administrators were also updated on SI developments for a Mennonite mission to Bangladesh. A nine-day, exploratory visit W was made last November by P. J. Malagar, B Director of Mennonite Christian Service H Fellowship of India (MCFSI). M. P. Nand, General Conference pastor, and Dan Nickel, Mennonite Brethren missionary to India. ’ The team, accompanied by MCC workers, J Mr and Mrs Maynard Shelly, visited three main areas: Dacca, the capitol, the Chit’ tagong area to the southeast, and the Mymensingh district to the north. They also interviewed about 20 individuals from a pfi variety of groups and agencies. 1 "Mennonites are welcome to begin work B in Bangladesh," Subhas Sangama, NCC
Robert Miller, MCC Nicaragua director,
Secretary, told the team. "The time is ripe
MCCers
for preaching the Gospel. Prayers are going in church that God may soon evangelize Bangladesh. ■' After consulting with a number of in dividuals. the team has recommended that the new venture be identified as the Bangladesh Mennonite Mission. The Asia Mennonite Conference Executive Commit tee will meet in Indonesia in June to con sider next steps for opening work. Internationalizing missions was also dis cussed, especially in terms of involving the churches of the third world in the world
working in Managua.
concerning adoption of non-Caucasian children. A combined meeting of COMBS and the Home Ministries Council is being planned for October with American Bible Society representatives. This meeting will focus on use and distribution of Scriptures and look at current patterns of support for the work of American Bible Society. The Council of Mission Board Secretaries repre sent Mennonite and Brenthren in Christ, and affiliated overseas mission agencies.
Up to $200 loans are available to per sons whose homes were damaged or de stroyed by the earthquake. This program will continue through 1973. A new program made possible by the Lilly grant includes community develop ment teams for two resettlement colon ies near Neuva Guinea for earthquake vic Indian women near Saraipali help build tims. North Americans and Nicaraguans a reservoir to catch and hold water will make up the teams including a nurse, ____ the rainy season. They receive during an agriculturist and a community pro mission of the church. Paul Longacre re- money from their work to make up for moter to work on sanitation, basic edu ported on MCC experience in using inter- the harvests lost because of drouth, cation and recreation. national volunteers. At present, one from South America, five from Asia and one INDIANS HOPE FOR MORE from Africa are serving under MCC. This THAN A 10-CENT CROP number is expected to grow. Wilbert Shenk presented a paper dealing Dacca, Bangladesh— Poor harvests are a NEW THRUST IN BANGLADESH with biblical-theological issues, historical way of life in central India. The Mennonite witness in South Africa considerations, terminology, and structures. "When things are good,” say farmers near received major consideration at the annual The group agreed to keep this subject on the Saraipali, "we onlyget a ten-cent crop.” Actually, they call it an "eight-anna meeting of the Council of Mission Board agenda as a frontier that needs further crop” which is even less than ten cents. Secretaries and MCC Administrators in exploration. Kenneth Weaver, representing the InterOf course, that's an exaggeration—but Chicago in May. Special guests who shared in the discussion were William Keeney. Mennonite Television Group, reported that only a modest one. The plateau land of provost of Bethel College who has been ask- the group is considering a proposal to pro- Madhaya Pradesh is usually low on rainfall ed to serve as a peace missioner to South vide leadership in producing a series of which makes it hard to grow even one good Africa, Lewis Hoskins, professor at “ Earl international television spots. The admin- crop of rice a year. And when it does rain, ham College. Richmond, Indiana, who is istrators encouraged Weaver to continue the water runs off too quickly and doesn’t also planning to devote a period of service exploring. really wet the soil properly, Par there. Mission outreach by Mennonites in ParDuring the last several years, rainfall has Professor Hoskins shared historical back- aguay was discussed by Clavin Redekop, been below average which has meant dry ground on how South Africa developed to professor of Sociology at Goshen College stream beds, thirsty cattle, and farmers where it is today. He emphasized that who spent a year in study and research in with dusty fields that aren’t even growing great social changes are taking place that are Paraguay last year. He cites this as an those ten-cent harvests. breaking down long-held laws and tradi- example of effective communication of the To provide both immediate and long-term tions. Hoskins feels that this is a particularly gospel across cultural lines, and spoke aid, the Mennonite Mission at Saraipali askcrucial time for the peace churches to help highly of the Mennonite leaders who ed the Mennonite Christian Service Fellowthe South African churches understand caught the vision of sharing the gospel with ship of Indian (MCSFI) for funds to build a and practice the reconciliation which is in- their Indian neighbors. reservoir which will catch and hold water Mission boards will again be represented from the rainy season and distribute it as herent in the gospel. He believes this can be done through working with leaders in at Urbana ’73, the Inter-Varsity sponsored needed during the growing season, Farmers and their families—including missionary convention to be held December Christian fellowship and education. wives and children—are now digging and While Dr. Keeney will serve under 27-31. Reports were also given on outreach to carrying earth to shape a holding basin. MCC, mission boards working in Africa have a vital interest in his mission and are Spanish-speaking people in Europe, the They are being paid for their work which working closely with MCC in this under Mennonite Major Medical Pool, the Ameri- means money now to make up for the harcan Bible Society, mission board policies vests lost because of drouth. taking. THE MESSENGER PAGE 6
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Picutred is a scene at the 1973 annual conference at Missionary Presentation on Sunday afternoon. Giving their testimonies are Rodney and Carol Kroeker (Steinbach church) who have by now left for Australia under New Tribes Mission. Waiting in line are John and Kathy Friesen (Portage la Prairie) who are accepted missionaries under Janz Team in Europe. Some 25 persons participated in this presentation. Some home on furlough, others going out for the first time. An estimated audience of 800 was present for this session, held in the SBI Gym.
A Message from your Board of Missions The E.M.C. Board of Missions wishes to announce the formation of a body which will function as a Mission Auxiliary to the Mission Board and will take on various related projects of a missions nature. The following is a broad outline of anticipated functions of such a commit tee and how you can get involved.
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A MESSAGE FROM YOUR BOARD OF MISSIONS
I What is a Mission Auxiliary? The Mission Auxiliary will be a group of Christian businessmen and farmers from the EMC, organized for the sole purpose of propagating the Gospel by giving financial assistance to special projects, or other needs re lated to the total operation of the Mission program of the EMC Board of Missions. II Why a Mission Auxiliary? 1. There is always a need for special projects to be handled by someone else than the Board of Missions, since some are too big and expensive to be handled by the Board. 2. It relieves the Mission Board from these concerns to concentrate on Evangelism and church planting. 3. The Mission Auxiliary can use large sums of money at times and then men who have the means can funnel their monies into our own EMC projects. 4. it will relieve the missionary on the field of build ing, administration and physical involvement, to put all into his mission work. 5. One of the first projects the Mission Auxiliary will
June 29.1973
have is to build a radio station in the Chaco in Paraguay in the next year. About $25,000.00 will be needed. Ill How will the Auxiliary be financed? (Possibilities) 1. Annual membership fee. 2. Periodic meetings of all interested men are to be conducted where pledges for the year will be taken. 3. Large sums may be donated at any time when the donor feels led of the Lord to do so.
IV How may I get involved in the Auxiliary? 1. The provisional Auxiliary Executive Committee, Dave P. Loewen, Blumenort, Ben F. Klassen, Winnipeg, and Cornie P. Loewen, Steinbach, is calling a meeting of all interested men from all our churches on Monday, July 23 at the Steinbach Bible Institute at 7:30 p.m. 2. The purpose of this meeting is to: a) elect a permanent Auxiliary Committee, b) discuss policy and purpose, c) discuss future projects and involvements. ALL PASTORS PLEASE NOTE Please announce this meeting on Sunday, July 22, and invite all interested men. We. the Mission Board of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference encourage our brethren in this new organiza tion, because we see a tremendous challenge for out reach of the gospel in our time. May God bless the venture to His greaterglory. The EMC Board of Missions, Ben Friesen, chairman
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From Our House To Your House
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My Testimony Good, the Lord’s been good to me. He fills my empty life with reality. Good, much better than I thought He would. I’ve tasted and I know the Lord is good.
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problems—i.e. spiritualism, astrology, witchcraft, to name a few. In my weak ness I tried to point them to Jesus. How my heart ached for them. I searched the Scriptures and the Lord renewed my strength. 'Two months have passed and now the Lundstrom Crusade came to Virden. Would I be able to go? The Lord more than fulfilled that desire! He lifted my heart up to glory through the beautiful singing. He opened my heart to receive of His might, power and grace. He sup plied me with strength to share it in counselling. Baptists, Methodists, and Roman Catholics alike felt their need of Christ. Together we were claiming by faith the Son of God, Jesus Christ as Reedemer and Lord. Psalm 47 ;1 “0 clap your hands all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.”
That is only one of the many songs the Lundstroms sang during the Cru sade in Virden last week. How my heart rejoiced and was thrilled with their lively and hearty singing and playing! When I heard of revival break throughs in Saskatoon, Winnipeg and surrounding areas I had a deep longing to experience it too. I was looking for ward with great anticipation when these meetings were planned for our church also. But alas! When the time came I could only attend one service, due to ill health. Then some time later more revival services were announced. This time I left it in the Lord’s hand whether I Jesus is the answer for the world today. would be able to go. He graciously gave Above Him there’s no other, Jesus is me sufficient strength so I could attend the Way. every night. I awaited a real filling of —Mrs Esther Kliever the Holy Spirit but I did not find it in Box 441, Elkhorn, Man. these meetings. A while later I was hospitalized for tests. My roommates had huge pro
BIRTHS
To Mr and Mrs Jake Warkentine, Birch River, a daughter, Leza Shannon, on May 25. To Mr and Mrs Ernest Koop. Kola, a son, Sidney Troy, on March 29. To Mr and Mrs Leo Reimer, Kola, a chosen daughter, Jennifer Lori. To Mr and Mrs Richard Zaharias, Rosenort Fellowship, a son. Marshal Cory, on May 30. To Mr and Mrs Jerry Friesen, Rosen-
June 29,1973
ort Fellowship, a son, Ryan Jerry, on May 28, To John and Gladys, Rosenort Fel lowship, a daughter, Michelle Delanie, on May 10. To Mr and Mrs Ed Cornelsen, Rosen ort Fellowship, a son, Brian Eddie, on April 23. To Mr and Mrs Elmer Brandt, Rosen ort Fellowship, a son, Warren Gayle, on April 25. To Mr and Mrs Ben Loewen, Braeside, a daughter, Barbara Katherine, on June 15.
Pete A. Klassen
IN MEMORIAM In lovirg memory of our dear husband and father, Pete” A. Klassen, Kola, Man. who went home so suddenly on July 5, 1972. The following poem describes our feel ings on how the Lc’-"’ has kept us through this past year.
He was better to me than all my hopes He was better than all my fears; He made a bridge of my broken words. And a rainbow of my tears. The billows that guarded my sea-girt path But carried my Lord on their crest; When I dwell on the days of my wilderness march I can lean on His love for the rest. He emptied my hands of my treasured store. And His covenant love revealed There was not a wound in my aching heart. But the balm of His breath had healed. Oh, tender and true was the chastening sore. In wisdom, that taught and tried. Till the soul that He sought was trusting in Him, And nothing on earth beside. Never a watch on the dreariest halt But some promise of love endears; I read from the past my future shall be Far better than all my fears. Like the golden pot of the wilderness bread Laid up with the blossoming rod, All safe in the ark with the law of the Lord, Is the covenant care of my God.
Lovingly remembered by his wife Erna, Abe and Virginia, Marilyn, Denny, Bever ly, Kenny and Michelle.
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News Prom the € Im re lies BIRCH RIVER
On May 13, our group was granted the blessing of observing Holy Communion with our local pastor officiating. After this service, minister John P. Loewen, who was travelling through from the North back to his home in Blumenort, challenged us mothers on the importance of our role in the home, as a Mother’s Day message. These services took place at the Ben Kroeker home.
some of our teenagers together with some of our teenagers together with some from the "Little Woody" church, spent an en joyable time at the Roblin Evangelical Mission Youth Rally. The Ervin Harms have taken a teaching job at Rivers, Man. They are leaving us at the end of this school term. We are really sorry to see them go, since they took an active part in our church pro gramme. BRAESIDE
A spontaneous response was forth-com ing when our pastor asked us, on Father’s Day, June 17, of some incidents about our fathers which had an influence upon our lives now. Various thoughts in regards to discipline, disposition, education, prayer and Bible reading were expressed. In this group participation, and also in the mes sage, the fathers were reminded of their responsibilities as priests in the home. In conjunction with this the child dedica tion service seemed to fit in quite well. The Erwin Harms, Ralph Ungers and Jake Warkentines dedicated their little ones to the Lord. After the service here some members went to Mafeking to join them in commemorating the Lord’s suffering and death. Since our group was small, we could gather around the table in the fashion Jesus had done on that memor able day with his disciples. We were richly blessed. Rain, rain, go away - come again some other day! I believe we'd all join in on
Mr and Mrs Peter Penner and boys ar rived home from Zambia the beginning of May, after a three-year teaching assign ment. On Sunday, May 27, they shared their experiences by word and pictures. They plan to return to Zambia in August for another term of service. Congratulations are in order for Penny Reimer, daughter of Mr and Mrs P.N. Reimer, on her recent engagement to Howard Wiebe of Sinclair, Man. A July wedding is planned. KOLA
Greetings from Kola! Isn’t spring the nicest time of the year, when everything comes back to life. It’s been some time since we've reported, so I will try and back-track on some of our events. Several of our people have had surgery and are home and well again. Included are Mrs Bernie Brandt, Mrs Jake Klas that proverb in this area. We have had sen and Mrs Herb Penner. over eight inches of rain this spring. A Communion Service was observed on Many acres will be left to summerfallow Good Friday. instead of being sown into grain, but still Two of our young people that were away God knows what is best for us. from home to attend different schools are On May 27, the Ralph Ungers were in back home. They are Joanne Martens at vited to Maryfield, Sask., where he was tending the Steinbach Bible Institute asked to preach the morning service and Stella Penner attending the Winni message. The Swan Valley Evangelical peg Bible Institute. churches had pulpit exchange this Sun A week of soul-searching meetings were day. Larry Dyck, pastor of First Baptist conducted by Rev. Keith McLeod from Church in Swan River brought the mes March 4-11. On February 25, Mr Ben sage in our church. Mr Ben Kroeker Dueck, deacon at Aberdeen E.M. church, spoke in Minitonas in the Peoples Church. spoke on Luke 11:1. On March 18, Rev. The topic of the various messages, we Henry Klassen from Heron was our guest heard later, were on "Prayer”. We are speaker. preparing for the Barry Moore Crusade Mr Marshall Calverly, from the Union in August. With this in mind we have also Gospel Mission of Winnipeg, came out to started weekly cottage prayer meetings speak to us on his work on March 25. A in different homes. film was shown and a lunch was served The Young People, too have their ac after the meeting. Used clothing was col tivities. On April 28, two cars full of lected and sent along to be used in his young people went to Creighton to join work. other Northern Fellowship churches Our pastor and family. Rev. George Young People’s for a day of games pro Braun went on a trip to Toronto on March gramme, etc. On the June 22 weekend, 22. Rev. Menno Kroeker from Riverton, PAGE 10
spoke at our morning worship service on March 25. A lovely wedding took place in our church on April 28. when Virginia, daugh ter of Mrs Erna Klassen and Abe, son of Mr and Mrs Aaron Janzen, were married. Rev. George Braun officiated at the cere mony. On May 27, the Ladies Fellowship Group, together with their husbands, brought a program in song and verse. I know we enjoyed and were blessed bring ing it. and trust those that came out for the evening were too. Rev. Harry Flumbaum, from the Jewish Evanglism, was here to bring a report of their work on May 29. The Lundstrom Team from Sessiton, South Dakota came to Virden Arena to conduct a Crusade, June 4-10. A lot of prayers and counsellor training etc., went into this Crusade before it began. We are also thankful for answered pray ers, because many came to claim Christ. Mr Henry D. Reimer is sick in the Bran don General Hospital since June 5. Their daughter Katherine, Mrs Pete Klassen from Denver, Colorado, together with their children and Rev. Vernon Reimer came to see their sick father. From here Vernon left for the Conference in Stein bach. On June 14, a United Meeting was held at the Heron Church with the E.M.C. Board of Missions. Rev. John K. Reimer and Rev. Henry Klassen came out to con duct the meeting. Today, it being Father’s Day, we had a most fitting message "The Duties of a Father", brought by Rev. George Braun. KAMSACK Kamsack has been a quiet place as far as news is concerned. However, a good number of activities have taken place. In the beginning of the year, special effort was made to promote Sunday School at tendance. Invitations were made, a to bogganing party was held at the Walter Haljeski farm (with good attendance) and a lunch was served in the church basement after. Everybody enjoyed the party and lunch. Two weeks later, pot luck dinner was served at the church. We have children in Sunday School now whose parents do not attend our church, so we invited these parents of these chil dren as well. The Ebenezer Baptist Male Chourendered a program in the evening. A lunch was served after the service. Syd Reimer from Rosenort took us to Rapid City via pictures and report on THE MESSENGER
r
as Portage to as far west as Gladstone.) March 18. He also showed pictures of their several numbers. The meeting came to a close with a fel Guest speakers during May and June were trip to Russia. It was a good evening. On March 25 the S.B.I. Team “Inspira Rev. Johnny Loewen, and Rev. F.P. lowship lunch in the basement. About 50 tions” with Rev. Ben Friesen as speaker Kroeker. Rev. Kroeker also gave a pic ladies attended. On April 29, the Young People went to served us in the morning service. We en torial report during the Adult Sunday joyed the service and dinner was served School session. On April 29, the Morris Maryfield and Griswold to bring them a “Church Belles ”, a group of teenage program. The Lord gave journeying mer at the church. On March 26 - April 1 we had evangelis girls, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Lome cies. We have had many visiting speakers tic meetings with Bill Bowdoin from New Loewen, with guitar and piano, favored in our midst this last while and all had very challenging messages. Our Pastor York, U.S.A. The services were well at us with two special numbers. Jack Klassen and Miss Agnes Friesen, Rev. Koop has also given us much food tended. Church groups from Rohlin, Pelly, representing the Canadian Sunday School for thought, especially the Mother’s Day Norquay and Churchbridge served us with special numbers. The speaker is a Mission, reported to us of their Camp message in which we mothers learned what all was required of us. On June 17. man of prayer. We praise the Lord for and D.V.B.S. work. Congratulations go out to Art Cornel- Father’s Day, Rev. Gladwin Plett also dedicated men as Mr Bowdoin. Several decisions were made during the meetings son, our S.S. superintendent, who gradu gave a very challenging message to the and visitations made. Ed Loewen and ated from the Diploma Course in Agri fathers and what was required of them. Glen Friesen from Morris brought our culture, U. of M. to Norman Wiens, also May God give grace to us all to do the in our Christian Education Committee, task that is before us not as men pleasers speaker here and took him back again. Miss Agatha Martens, missionary to In graduating from U. of M. with a degree but unto God. On June 11-13 the United Crusade was dia reported of her work at the morning of Bachelor of Pedagogy, and to Daryl Reimer and Bonita Giesbrecht graduat held in the MacGregor Community Cen service on April 22. On April 28 a number of people attend ing from the Morris Collegiate, with tre with Rev. Campbell preaching the Word and Mr Reese the song and choir Grade 12. ed the Youth Rally at Creighton. director. Tuesday was Sunday School Lena Warkentin, who has now left for A special Mother’s Day program was night with Mr Jake Giesbrecht taking Austria, under Operation Mobilization held in the evening on May 13. On May 20 a team from Winnipeg served for the summer months, gave us an in first prize with 19 of 20 students of the us with music, singing and a sermonette. sight of the organization, with slides and Young People’s class present. Wednesday It was a Christ-centered, well planned tapes. It is our prayer that the Lord would night was Family Night with the largest program. Come again. We had the win greatly use her, as she shares Christ with family present receiving the prize. The Ben Buhlers of Treherne took first dows and doors open and so the people on the people of Austria. Four of our Sunday School teachers, Mr prize with 11 and our Pastor and his wife the streets listened in. Everyone enjoyed and Mrs Herman Martins, Mrs Rose Cor- took second prize with 10 members pre the service. On June 3 was a special occasion for our nelson and Mrs Melvin Dueck, who took sent. The seed - the Word of God has been church. Two young people were baptized the course, “Christian Education for sown, may it spring up and bring forth and accepted into church membership. Adults”, at the Winnipeg Bible College much fruit to the honour and Glory of Jeannette Dueck and Kenny Thompson. this winter, were each presented with a God. We praise God for these blessings. Pastor bursary, by the Christian Education Com Dueck officiated. Elmer and Elvira War- mittee. Our Chapel has been blessed with five kentin sang a duet. Sam and Margaret ABERDEEN new babies born within the last two Waselenko, from Pelly, were also present. We had our Sunday School picnic at months. After a number of weeks of instruction Madge Lake Bible Camp on June 17. After classes, two ladies joined the Aberdeen the games, races and relays, we enjoyed Evangelical Mennonite Conference a good lunch. It was a good time of fellow through water baptism, on June 17. They MacGREOGOR ship. Mr Albert Fink was hospitalized for are Mrs Margaret Lendvai and Miss Judy awhile. He came home for a few days. At Spring is past and summer is here, and Smith, both of Winnipeg. It was a joy to present he is in the Nursing Home. Mr and all around we see the work of our Creator see them make this a public confession Mrs Fink need our prayers. and Redeemer. of their faith in Christ Jesus. Rev. Glen Koop, former pastor of the The Bible School students have return ed from their various Bible Schools. Some Aberdeen church, now studying at East ROSENORT FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL to work at home on the farm, others to ern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Our young people considered it a privi find employment elsewhere. Irma Hepp and his wife Betty were present at the lege to take part in the Clean-a-thon for ner has taken a nursing position at the baptismal service. Mr Koop had the the S.B.I. They worked hard, but thorough local hospital. Sylvia Giesbrecht has been morning message on “Choosing the home for a two-week vacation before re Father’s Way”, after David Thiessen had ly enjoyed it. The Niverville ,M.B. ladies presented suming her duties at the Peace River performed the baptism. On June 13, at our monthly member a High German Play at our Ladies Fellow Bible Institute. Larry Heppner is plan ship in April, and their Men’s Choir ren ning on teaching Good News Clubs up ship meeting, four young people were ac dered a program of beautiful singing in North this summer. We wish him the cepted into the fellowship at Aberdeen. They are: Virginia Plett, Ron Plett, Jake our Chapel on June 17. We certainly appre Lord’s blessing. On April 24, at 2:00 p.m. the Willing Friesen, all transferring from the Mennciated these services. Both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Helpers Ladies Aid held a missionary ville Evangelical Mennonite Church, and were special in our Chapel. Various items - meeting with Mrs Frank Kroeker as James Dyck, transferring from the Al poems, songs, music, testimonies, etc. speaker. She reported of their work in bright Memorial Evangelical Church of were brought. A musical group, consist Paraguay via slides. The ladies of the Winnipeg. It is encouraging to have young people, ing of nine young people, under the di surrounding churches had been invited rection of Mrs Melvin Dueck, played and many came out. (From as far east who study or work in the city, identify PAGE 11 June 29,1973
with our group, to fellowship and serve together with us. Dave and Judy Schmidt, accepted can didates for Paraguay - under the E.M.C. Board of Missions, will be serving their year of probation at Aberdeen, while Dave completes his studies at Mennonite Breth ren Bible College. We are praising the Lord for them. The Schmidts are members of the Rosenort E.M.C. Our church has been involved in a Com munity Survey and Evangelism in the immediate Aberdeen area. There have been many encouraging contacts, al though until this point, the follow-up work has met with less success. Perhaps we have much to learn about leading people to discipleship, but we are learning as we go.
MRS. MARIA PENNER 1911 -1973
Maria Penner (nee Reimer) was born to her parents, the John P. Reimers in Blumenort on August 24, 1911. This is where she grew up and received her schooling. Being the oldest in a family of six she gave much assistance in the home. After reaching the age of accountabil ity, she realized her need of a sin-bearer and received by faith the Lord Jesus as her Saviour, was baptized upon the con fession of faith on July 6, 1930 and re ceived into the fellowship of the E.M.C. Church. I, Abram Penner found in her a loving partner for life. We were joined in holy matrimony on March 6, 1932. We have shared joys and sorrows for 41 years and 3 months. Mother has enjoyed fair health, although with some disadvantages. 'Twenty-six years ago her illness was diagnosed as diabetes and was prescribed to insulin injections. She has faithfully taken these needles daily since then and abstained from many tempting sweets. This, however, did not take away the sweetness of her character. She had four larger operations of which two were on one eye, after having lost the vision on the other eye. Diabetes has also required numerous short stays in the hos pital. The first 28 years of our married life we resided in the Ste. Anne municipality on a dairy farm. Here we were also en trusted with a family of four children. Being a small family, mother became foster mother to some seven more chil dren, although not all at the same time. In 1960 we moved to the Arborg area where we have also found numerous more friends. Mother was a great gardener. Spring
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the MESSENGER
time never came too soon. She loved to plant and take care of flowers and shrubs. Her conviction was to cheer others with flowers while they lived and found many opportunities to do so. Mother has also served on the local La dies Sewing Circle committee for nine years, was president of the same for a number of years. On February 15 of this year she suf fered a light heart attack and she was taken to Arborg Hospital. After four days her condition was realized to be more serious since her kidneys failed to func tion. She was rushed via ambulance to General Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Winnipeg. Here, with the aid of an elec tric pace-maker, her condition improved and after 16 days was released from the pace-maker and transferred to the gen eral wards, where she stayed another nine days. After a total of 29 days of hospitali zation she came home with remarkable recovery for which we yet thank the Lord. At home she did not quite recover to normal health, though she did some house keeping. Three weeks ago she entered Arborg Hospital again to regain control of her diabetes and find relief from pains in the back and neck which plagued her usually in the evening. After a week’s stay her diabetic condition had improved and she came home. Her pains, however, had not left. Last Saturday night her pains did not subside but worsened through the night until breathing became difficult. At 4:30 a.m. Sunday, June 10, we took her to the Arborg Hospital where breathing became much more difficult and at 5:50 a.m. she was released from this body of suffering to be in the presence of her Creator. Her last words were few but she sin cerely requested our forgiveness for any failures on her behalf for she felt so sin ful. But she was willing to commit herself into the hands of Jesus. Mother has reached the age of 61 years, 9 months and 17 days. She leaves to mourn her sudden departure, me, her
husband, five children including one foster son. Menno and his wife Mary, Tina and her husband Ronald Plett; Gertie and her husband Arnold Brandt; Janice at home, and Ed Klassen of West Monroe. Louisianna; 10 grandchildren; one sister Justina, Mrs Henry F. Reimer, Giroux; four brothers: Peter and Henry of Giroux; and John of British Honduras, Klass of Riverton and a host of relatives and friends. We wish to express heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared sympathy and sent cards during Mother's illness. Especially was her heart thrilled when she received cards and letters from young people. The Family
THE OTHER SIDE
This isn’t death, it’s glory It isn’t dark, it’s light. It isn’t stumbling, groping Or even faith - it’s sight. This isn’t grief, it’s having My last tear wiped away. It’s sunrise, it’s morning Of my eternal day! It isn’t even praying It’s speaking face to face. It’s listening and it’s glimpsing The wonders of His grace.
This is the end of pleading For strength to bear my pain. Not even pain’s dark memory Will ever live again. How did I bear the earth life Before I came up higher? Before my soul was granted It’s every deep desire?
Before I knew this rapture Of meeting face to face. The One Who sought me, saved me. And kept me by His grace.
I.